OREANDA-NEWS. August 17, 2011. Ukraine International Airlines received a new An-148-100 regional jet aircraft, constructed at the Antonov Production Factory by the Antonov State Enterprise. This is the first domestically produced aircraft in the UIA fleet, reported the press-centre of UIA.

The aircraft handover ceremony was attended by Borys Kolesnikov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Bogatsky, UIA Vice President, Dmitry Kiva, President and General Designer of the Antonov State Enterprise, and Alexander Vlasishen, Director General of Leasingtechtrans. The aircraft operated its first flight from the factory airfield to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport.

The new aircraft’s passenger capacity amounts to 73 seats, and has a two- class cabin configuration: b usiness and economy. The An-148-100 lease contract stipulates that at the first stage in-flight and technical operation will be carried out by experts of the Antonov State Enterprise. Simultaneously, UIA’s own in-flight and technical personnel will undergo training to operate the new aircraft.

The An-148-100 (tail number 01-10) meets all current and future regulations and standards of ICAO and Eurocontrol and can operate flights to/from regions with heavy air traffic without limitations, as well as operate effectively under various climatic and weather conditions, transporting passengers for a distance of up to 4400 km.

“Acquisition of the An-148 is an important event for our company. Active development of the UIA route network sets us new goals. Today, we feel the need for effective regional jets of optimal capacity more than ever, – noted Vladimir Bogatsky, UIA Vice President. – Initially, we aim at investigating the aircraft’s operating performance, its financial and commercial impact, and analyzing passengers` feedback considering the plane’s comfort. In the near future we plan to increase the number of domestic flights, and we expect the An-148 operation to be most efficient on these routes.”

After signing the agreement and bringing all of the necessary documents into line with the State Aviation Service of Ukraine, the aircraft will be operating domestic and some international flights starting August 18, 2011.