ANTONOV ASTC is representing its programmes in China

     Today, on September 21, 2005, Aviation Expo China 2005 international aviation exhibition started in Beijing. ANTONOV ASTC, a constant participant of the exhibitions, taking place in China, represented its proposals on further widening of cooperation, which is successfully developed during many years. So, as a result of joint work of Shaanxi Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. (SAC) and ANTONOV, the building of Y8F600 a new transport aircraft, which is the newest version of the famous AN-12 aircraft-veteran, is coming to an end. ANTONOV’s specialists are ready to work within the limits of this programme as well as to take part in development and construction of new versions of Y8 aircraft. AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Co. Ltd., with the assistance of ANTONOV has successfully carried out the stage of a new ARJ 21 regional jet design. Having completed its obligations as for the wing design, ANTONOV ASTC offers to Chinese partners its services on stages of construction, tests and certification of this new aircraft.

     In Beijing ANTONOV is also representing a number of programmes, which could attract interest of the airlines of the country. So, ANTONOV offers AN-148 jet of a new generation too the intensive developing market of the regional passenger transportations of China. In contrast to ARJ 21, AN-148 is a high-wing monoplane. Due to such design, the AN-148 has a number of advantages when operating from poorly prepared runways including those ones with grass, unpaved and stony cover. Such airdromes are situated at poorly reclaimed Western territories of China. Majority of them are poorly equipped with ground handling facilities. However minimal ground facilities set is enough to operate AN-148 aircraft as it is equipped with the built-in devices for onboard systems condition registration and auxiliary power unit. Besides, labour input while airport service is minimal as well.

     The programe of AN-70 STOL military transport is offered to the attention of PRC military departments. This aircraft of a new generation is able to solve qualitatively new tasks inaccessible for the previous military transport aircraft and to provide much higher level of PRC PLA troops mobility.

     The other projects of ANTONOV can become the basis for widening cooperation between Ukraine and China in aviation field. Among them are: joint work on Y-5 (AN-2 version) light biplane modernization, use of AN-124 “Ruslan” and AN-225 “Mriya” for transportation of various oversized cargos, increasing the airlines fleet with AN-140, AN-38 and AN-74 family of multifunctional aircraft. Works on airworthiness support and service-life prolongation of the ANs being operated in China will allow increase their reliability and safety of flights. It means that operators will not refuse to perform further flights on ANTONOV aircraft. During the exhibition the representatives of ANTONOV ASTC will conduct a number of the meetings aimed to strengthen their business contacts with the enterprises, institutes and airlines of Chinese People Republic.

     Press-service of ANTONOV ASTC, September 21, 2005