Rossiya: An-148 has proved expensive to operate....

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DATE:29/05/10

SOURCE:Air Transport Intelligence news

Rossiya: An-148 is costly and needs better support

By David Kaminski-Morrow

Initial operations with the new Antonov An-148 regional jet are proving expensive compared with other aircraft, the Russian launch customer has told a technical conference, and the type needs better maintenance support.

Rossiya general director Sergei Belov put forward a candid assessment of the airline's early experience with the An-148. He says the aircraft had high operating costs and was "worse" than the Boeing 737 in terms of commercial efficiency. Rossiya's fleet includes 737-500s.

Belov adds that efficient operation of the type would be "difficult" without the assistance of equipment manufacturers and developers. Priority must be given to creating round-the-clock technical support availability, setting up spares centres, and expansion of the An-148's minimum equipment list.