Air Ukraine has ordered four Antonov An-140 regional airliners and has signed a letter of intent for 40 more. The Ukrainian national airline, which controls more than 10 regional carriers in the country, will use the 46-52/seat An-140s to replace 60 An-24s, An-26s and An-30s.
Air Ukraine has specified that the aircraft should be built at Kharkov in Ukraine. The four aircraft will be powered by the Klimov TV3-117VMA produced in the Ukraine by Motor-Sich and are due for delivery in 2000. Antonov expects to receive An-140 certification at the end of 1999 or early 2000.
Meanwhile, Aeroflot Russian International Airlines has signed a letter of intent for 50 An-140s, which it plans to use to develop regional routes in western Russia. Although the letter of intent was signed by the airline's outgoing commercial director, Aleksandr Krasnenker, airline sources say the commitment remains valid.
Aeroflot has specified that the aircraft should be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PWA127As and it should be built at the Aviakor factory in Samara, Russia.
Work is on schedule at an Iranian factory at Shakhin Shakir to build 80 An-140s for Iranian domestic use.
Source: Flight International
