Final assembly of the Antonov An-148 regional jet will be undertaken exclusively at the Aviant (KiGAZ) plant in Kiev, after delays blamed on the KhGAPP plant in Kharkov have seen its role reduced to that of component supplier. VASO in Voronezh will also provide sub-assemblies.
VASO and leasing company Ilyushin-Finance signed up for membership of the 70-seater programme's industrial and sales team together with Aviant and the Antonov design bureau during the recent Aviasvit air show in Kiev.
Assembly of the three prototype An-148-100s (two flying and one for ground tests) is being undertaken at Antonov's plant in Kiev. The first aircraft was moved out of the hangar on 25 September ahead of the formal roll-out ceremony on 14 October. The 600-flight test programme is due for completion in late 2005, with certification in 2006.
Plans for an An-148 assembly line at KhGAPP have been dropped in favour of Aviant, with Kharkov to supply components only. "The final assembly line will be established at Aviant in Kiev, to which Kharkov will supply centre fuselage and VASO empennage," says Aviant general director Oleg Shevchenko.
Antonov general designer Piotr Balabuyev says KhGAPP's role was reduced because it had been "entirely responsible" for the delays suffered by the project. He blames the Kharkov plant for the "seriously delayed delivery of the first wingset" and says it is yet to deliver the second wingset, "holding up the progress on the second prototype".
Ukrainian carrier Aerosvit has signed a letter of intent with Antonov, Aviant and Ilyushin- Finance for 10 An-148s. The first two aircraft will be delivered in 2006, with three in 2007 and the rest in 2008.VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / KIEV
Source: Flight International
