The First AN−158 Has Entered into Operation

a ceremony of the AN−158 first regional jet delivery to Cubana de Aviación Airline, Cuba, was held. This aircraft with 97−seat layout, ordered by Ilyshin Finance Company, was constructed at the ANTONOV serial plant. This Russian Leasing Company provides the AN−158 delivery to the Cuban company on terms of leasing.

Events were held with participation of Mykola Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine. In his speech he said in particular: “Today we are handing over the first AN−158 serial aircraft. This means that Ukrainian aviation building is reviving. This magnificent aircraft will continue good traditions of ANTONOV Design Bureau, ANTONOV plant and all our country. An advanced future is to be open towards the enterprise”.

Ricardo Castillan Miranda, Vice President of the National Aviation Corporation of Republic of Cuba, expressed his satisfy with the execution of contract on the AN−158 delivery: “Today it is a great day for us. We receive the first AN−158 serial aircraft on the ANTONOV highly distinguished enterprise we have a long−standing and fruitful cooperation with. For Cuba ANTONOV aircraft symbolize bright friendship between our nations”.

The Act of the aircraft acceptance was signed by: Dmytro Kiva, President – General Designer of the ANTONOV Company, Olexandr Rubtsov , Director General of Ilyshin Finance Company, Ricardo Santillan Miranda, Vice President of the National Aviation Corporation of Republic of Cuba.

Delivered AN−158 has become the first among 3 such airplanes that will enter the fleet of Cubana de Aviación Aircompany. On April 21, it will fly controlled by mixed Ukrainian−Cuban crew to Cuba. In the ferry flight from Kiev to Havana, AN−158 will have two intermediate flight stops in Keflavik, Iceland, and in Galifax, Canada. The second airplane is planning to be delivered to Cuba in June of this year, the third one – in July. Press−service of the ANTONOV Company