Antonov points to 9 May for An-158 first flight...

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... light.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DATE:16/03/10

SOURCE:Air Transport Intelligence news

Antonov points to 9 May for An-158 first flight

By Tom Zaitsev

Ukraine's manufacturer Antonov appears to have set a 9 May date for the maiden flight of its new An-158 regional twin-jet.

The An-158 is a stretched version of the baseline 85-seat An-148 aircraft. While sharing common systems and engines, the An-158 will be able to seat up to 99 passengers.

He adds: "Boguslayev has assured the president that the An-158 will be made airborne on 9 May."

Antonov chief designer Dmitry Kiva suggested last year that An-158 serial production could begin in the first half of 2010.