POLISH AIRCRAFT manufacturer PZL-Mielec is considering restarting production of the Antonov An-2 biplane. A batch of 22 aircraft could be built initially.
Mielec says that no formal decision has been made on the subject, adding that it is still awaiting the results of market research before giving the final go-ahead.
Lodz-based aircraft-sales agent TLA-Europa says that it expects production to begin this year.TLA already has two customers waiting for An-2s, and says that Mielec is offering to build new aircraft in time for delivery by the first quarter of 1997.
The aircraft will be built to US Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23 requirements, and will be offered for sale at prices ranging from $105,000 to $125,000.
The aircraft will be basic An-2s, with modifications to the equipment and interior according to customer requirements. TLA says that the most likely market for the aircraft is the USA and the Pacific North-West.
Source: Flight International
