KYIV, July 18th, 2010 (WAM) -- The Kyiv-based state enterprise Antonov Aeronautical Scientific/Technical Complex (Antonov ASTC) will present its new generation regional jet An-158 at the Farnborough International Airshow 2010 in London on tomorrow (July 19-25). The aircraft landed in London on Friday and will make a demonstration flights during the airshow, UKRINFORM reports.
An-158 first took off in April 2010. To date, the aircraft has performed more than 30 flights lasting a total of more than 70 hours. Antonov is planning to complete the program of certification tests and obtain a certificate of type by the end of this year. Taking part in Farnborough-2010, ASTC Antonov intends to hold talks with representatives of the aviation industry and aircraft operators of different countries to promote Antonov products and services in the international market. It is also planned to sign several agreements. An-158 is a modification of the An-148 regional jet, capable of carrying up to 99 passengers along 2,500-3,100 kilometers. It is also more fuel-saving (by 10-17% compared to An-148). With the level of comfort of a passenger cabin An-158 corresponds to the most advanced regional aircrafts, and may be employed on a broad network of airfields. The Antonov ASTC in Kyiv is now performing works to launch the serial An-158 into production in cooperation with partners from Russia and other countries. Over 20 orders have already come for An-158 for a total of USD 500 million. According to ASTC Antonovs representatives, market demand in An-158 by 2015 is estimated in 200 planes. The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is one of the world's most iconic global aviation events. FIA holds a prominent position within the aerospace calendar taking place on a biennial basis over one week in July. The first five days of the show are traditionally trade days only, followed by a weekend where the exhibition is opened up to the public.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
