The agreement on building of new Ruslans has been signed

     On December 15, 2006, in Kiev at ANTONOV ASTC negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian enterprises-partners were hold. The topic of negotiations was the programme of renovation of production of AN-124 Ruslan super heavy transport aircraft family. Ukraine was presented by ANTONOV ASTC managers, Russia – by managers of Volga-Dnepr Airline JSC and Aviastar JSC.

     Representatives of the parties signed the agreement on modernization and construction of AN-124 Ruslan aircraft family. New versions of Ruslan differ from the basic version of the aircraft with a decreased crew, increased range of flight and payload as well as with a new piloting complex, engines modified in accordance with the newest ICAO standards. Mr. D.Kiva noted that “this agreement opens up a possibility to improve essentially characteristics of the aircraft with low costs. It will much improve the aircraft’s position in the world market”.

     Mr. V.Savotchenko, Executive director of Aviastar JSC, noted “This is the real solution. In fact, the plant did not stop production of the airplanes. That is why we are ready to renovate serial production of the airplanes the giants of AN-124 family”.

     Mr. A.Isaikin, Chairman of Council of directors of Volga-Dnepr Airline JSC, said after the meeting: “The market grows, the long-term contracts have been signed, this is the key moment for building the airplanes with the improved characteristics”.

     Press-service of ANTONOV ASTC, December 18, 2006