President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the government of Ukraine to elaborate the issue of creating a national air carrier in 2021 that will use Antonov's aircraft.
Zelensky invited government customers to continue working on new contracts for the An-178 production from next year. And he instructed the government to elaborate the issue of creating a Ukrainian airline in 2021 that will use Antonov's aircraft, the press service of the President's Office reports.
The President also proposed to develop a State Scientific and Technical Program for the Aviation Industry Development for 2021-2030 and prepare to hold a corresponding meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
This was discussed during the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in the aircraft construction for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine between Antonov representatives and the Ministry of Defense. At the same time, the timing of the supply agreement signing and the funding sources are not specified.
Volodymyr Zelensky noted that many international partners are showing significant interest in aircraft of the An family. "But at the same time, and that makes sense, they always ask me and are interested in whether these aircraft have been adopted for service in Ukraine? This is why this step is twice as important. It strengthens the defense capability of Ukraine and will help attract Ukrainian and foreign investments," the President said.
At the first stage, it is about the supply of three new An-178 military transport aircraft that will be received by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They can be used to deliver personnel, weapons and light military equipment by landing and parachute methods, as well as to transport cargo.
Context. Volodymyr Zelensky at the end of April 2020 announced the initiative to create a state airline. Its fleet will be formed from aircraft manufactured by State Enterprise Antonov Company.
In July, the Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government had already developed a concept for the future state-owned Ukrainian air carrier, but it was never made public.
In December, Antonov acting CEO Serhii Bychkov noted that the company does not claim to be a passenger aircraft and plans to concentrate on the military transport aircraft production.