OREANDA-NEWS. April 22, 2013. Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov attended the Antonov enterprise and participated in a ceremony of handing over to the Republic of Cuba the first serial An-158 plane.

“I am extremely pleased that we are launching production of a serial An-158 plane. And it means that aircraft industry is being restored in Ukraine. I am convinced that we will maintain serial production of this perfect plane,” Mykola Azarov emphasized.

At this, the Premier added there are not many countries in the world which can produce planes independently.

“At last we have stepped on good foundation. Despite the world slowdown and economic turmoil Ukraine has reached the way of sustainable development and I congratulate You on that. This plane is the first step on this difficult road but I am convinced that the plant has a huge perspective,” the head of Government emphasized.

Participating in the ceremony were Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Ukraine Ernesto Antonio Senti Darias, general constructor of the Antonov enterprise Dmytro Kiva, general director of the Illushyn Finance Co Olexandr Rubtsov.