OREANDA-NEWS. January 18, 2010. The first flight on the route St.Petersburg - Moscow on the regional jet An-148 was operated by Rossiya airlines. In the future it will be used on the flights to the other cities of Russia, CIS and Europe.

The aircraft can accommodate 68 passengers: 8 passengers in business class and 60 in economy class. Its flying range is 3,500 km and cruise speed is 800-870 km/h. One of An-148 unique features is the elevated engine location that enables the aircraft taking off and landing on airfields with even low-quality surface. Important advantages of An-148 includes high fuel efficiency, comfortable cabin and self-sufficiency – the entrance stairs allow that passengers’ boarding and de-boarding without the use of special-purpose airfield equipment.

"The operation of the An-148 will allow us to fly passengers on short-haul routes effectively. The aircraft with such specifications, including high fuel efficiency, demand for flights on domestic and international routes. We are sure that it will give us new opportunities for sustained development of the route network of our company", General Director of Rossiya Roman V. Pakhomov said.

Under the leasing agreement with Illyushin Finance 6 Ans-148 will be supplied to Rossiya.