Russian leasing company Ilyushin Finance (IFC) signed a firm order for 10 Antonov An-158s in late June. The $300 million contract calls for Antonov’s manufacturing branch in Kiev to build the airplanes from 2012 to 2014 for delivery primarily to Latin American airlines.
A stretched version of the An-148, the 85-seat high-wing regional jet that now flies for three airlines in Russia and the Ukraine, the An-158 can carry as many as 99 passengers. It gained its AP-25 certification from Russian authorities in late February.