EMERCOM of Russia is ready to acquire two An-124 aircraft intended for transportation of the oversized cargo, Izvestiya reports. However, these jets are not being manufactured now. That is why the Ministry is considering the acquisition of Il-76 aircraft.

«We have confirmed our interest in Ruslan aircraft. But they need a large order to renew the production. We have ordered two An-124s», - Director of EMERCOM’s Federal State Unitary Aviation Enterprise, Rafael Zakirov, said.

The cost of one vehicle is about $300 million. And they need an order for at least 60 aircraft to renew the jet’s production and make the project profitable. It has been reported earlier by the vice-premier, Sergey Ivanov. Volga-Dnepr is ready to acquire 20 aircraft. The Ministry of Defense has also included the acquisition of these liners in its Program in the area of arms for 2012-2020 (some sources say that the ministry intends to acquire 20 jets).

At present the fleet of EMERCOM includes 6 Be-200s, 6 cargo Il-76s, 2 transport Аn-74s, 2 Yak-42s and 2 long-haul Il-62s. 2 An-148s will be delivered to the Ministry in 2012. The jets will be used as the air control staff with a possibility of conversion into medevac aircraft.

According to Zakirov, another 7 Be-200s will be delivered by 2016; the corresponding decisions have already been taken. The decision on 4 Il-76s (including two ones with the upgraded engines) and two Tu-214s (or Tu-204s) will be taken after 2015 depending on the state financing. It is not planned to expand the fleet of Il-62, Yak-42 or An-74 aircraft.