The State Transport Company “Rossiya” (GTK Rossiya) has applied to the Russian government for more financial aid and privileges for itself and the Antonov An-148 regional twinjet.

GTK Rossiya general director Sergei Belov sent a letter to the Russian government. This letter contains a plea for additional measures of state support such as a 50% reduction in charges for services rendered in airports to the An-148 aircraft operated by the airline. The St. Petersburg based operator served launch customer for Russian-made An-148 with initial order for six and a follow-on order for nine such aircraft. Sixth airframe went to customer in November 2010.

Belov would like to see the An-148 included in the new edition of the Federal Purpose Program for Development of Civil Aviation now being put together. This Purpose Program allocates state funds for development of promising aircraft types, a standard Russian practice of rendering governmental aid to local manufacturers.

According to insider information, Belov’s plea has received a positive response by Russian deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov, who chairs the Board of Directors at United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

The An-148 is widely recognized as a positive example of mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Ukraine, and worthy of further development and design rectification. At the same time, draft text of the Federal Purpose Program for Development of Civil Aviation does not allocate financial support for this program. The very fact of the An-148 being ignored in the draft Program prompted Sergei Belov apply directly to the Russian government.