OREANDA-NEWS. March 01, 2011. International Certification of An-158 aircraft opens the possibility of entering the world markets. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov during the events of presentation of "type certificate" to regional passenger jet aircraft An-158, which took place at ASTC "Antonov" in Kiev.

"I know that our partners in many countries are waiting for this aircraft, and today's presentation of this certificate will open the way to the development and modifications of the specific client, and to production, and to contracts for years to come for a wonderful medium range aircraft. This means that Ukraine returns to the few countries that have their own air base and the design industry. It is extremely important to us. In this competitive world, I am sure we will find a niche, and fix in this niche and provide work for many people. It is particularly important that this work is connected with a highly intellectual work, high wages", Mykola Azarov emphasized. He added that the Government, carrying out foreign economic activity, would provide maximum support for the development of domestic aviation industry.

The Prime Minister has seen the latest developments of Ukrainian designers and scientists. "I am confident that this work will provide us the gains for years to come", the head of the Government underlined.

The Prime Minister informed that the Government introduced several measures to support domestic aviation industry, enabling it to develop effectively. In particular, the aviation industry enterprises are exempt from paying income tax and have the opportunity to tax-free import the necessary equipment and devices that are not produced in Ukraine.

"Of course, there are difficulties, but the hardest thing we've passed, so the plant will develop, so new jobs must be created, wages will rise and there will be stability and confidence in the future", Mykola Azarov concluded.

Reference. AN-158 received certificates of the CIS Interstate Aviation Committee and the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine according to the rules of aviation AP-25, which correspond to U.S. FAR-25 and European CS-25.

AN-158 is designed to carry 99 passengers at a distance of 2500 km and belongs to the family of regional jet passenger aircraft An-148/158 new generation.

Economic indicators in passenger capacity of AN-158 are by 7.5% higher than the nearest competitor - Brazilian "Embrayer".

Program of that aircraft family creation is implemented in a wide international collaboration involving 214 companies from 15 countries.