TheAn-148 has become a unique for the last two decades project implemented byjoint efforts of Russian and Ukrainian designers for quantity production. Thecompetitive advantages of this new aircraft include its efficiency which is vitally important given the high prices for jet fuel,but also reasonable price of the airliner both for large airlines and regionalair carriers. Presently, there are only 2 types of aircraft presented inregular service here in Russia,but the producers of the An-148 intend to introduce another 14 aircraft of thistype in 2010 as there is much demand for it.
Rossiya Airlines,a Saint Petersburg-based carrier, now plans to use this new aircraft type onits scheduled route Saint Petersburg– Samara.
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The Antonov An-148 is a regional jet aircraft designedby the Ukrainian aircraft firm Antonov together with 240 enterprisers from 14countries, including Russia,the USA, and France. Theaircraft is currently produced by Kyiv Aircraft Plant AVIANT, Ukraine, and
On December 21,2009 the Russian-built An-148 made its first commercial passenger flight (ПЛ 135) from Saint Petersburg to Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport). On January 20,2010 another aircraft of this type made its first passenger flight from Saint Petersburg to Moscow.
On January 16, 2010 the An-148 made its first Saint Petersburg – Rostov-on-Donflight (ПЛ 721).
On January 21, 2010 the An-148 made its firstcommercial flight (ПЛ 751) from Saint Petersburg toSamara.