OREANDA-NEWS. December 25, 2009. The first Russian-made Antonov An148 regional jet, registration RA-61701 commenced revenue passenger services, reported the press-centre of UAC.

The “Rossiya” State Transport Company successfully accomplished Flight FV135 on the central timetable of Russia’s domestic passenger services. It originated in Pulkovo-1 of Saint Petersburg and terminated in the Sheremetievo Moscow international airport, Terminal 1.

On this service the newest indigenous design replaced a Boeing 737-500. Six business and thirty five economy class passengers were on the first revenue flight that lasted one hour ten minutes at cruise altitude of 9,100 meters.

Passengers of Flight FV135 appreciated high comfort of the new airplane as well as the skills of the aircrew headed by Captain Aleksandr Pogorelsky. In addition to more flights into Sheremetievo, the airplane will perform flights to Moscow Domodedovo airport.

“Rossiya” State Transport Company is the launch customer for An-148 airplanes being assembled at the Voronezh aviation plant, which is a part of the United Aircraft Corporation. Aircraft financing package is structured by Ilyushin Finance Company which holds the airline’s first order for six An-148-100s in a customized version with eight business and sixty economy seats. The contract comes with option for six more aircraft of the type.