Silk Way Opts for An-178s

摘要

Silk Way Airlines will be the launch customer for the Antonov An-178 cargo jet after placing an order for ten examples. The Azerbaijani cargo carrier made its order barely a week after the type's first flight on May 7. Beijing A-Star Airspace has also signed a letter of intent (LOI) for two airframes, with the Ukrainian manufacturer understood to be considering assembling the aircraft in China. The An-178, which is equipped with a rear loading ramp, is a derivative of the An-148 regional airliner and can carry up to 18 tons of cargo. Antonov estimates that the need for aircraft in the new type's segment will total 200 units by 2032.