According to RBK Daily, S7 Group is going to start crew training for using An-148s, in spite of no such liners being part of airline’s fleet
Meanwhile, it appears that the signing of contract on delivery of 15 An-148s may take place in the nearest future. The corresponding memorandum has been signed with “Ilyushin Finance & Co” (IFC) the year before last.

The vice-president of Tranzas, Viktor Godunov, has told that a simulator for pilot training for using An-148 will start working at S7 Training. «It is a correct approach when the simulator appears before the start of aircraft’s serial production. It was ready two years ago and now it has been delivered to S7 and installed at Domodedovo. The simulator undergoes certification at the moment », — he noted.

IFC and S7 Group have signed a memorandum of understanding on creation of flying training center for training of An-148’s pilots in the framework of joint venture - S7 Training in July 2010. IFC has invested about 550 million rubles by purchasing the simulator.

In spite of having the simulator, the airline does not have such jets in its fleet. As appeared later, the carrier has signed a memorandum with IFC during MAKS 2009 air show on acquisition of 15 An-148, but the companies did not confirm the fact of signing the agreement.