Aeroflot refused to purchase additional nine regional An-148 aircraft for its subsidiary – Rossiya – Russian Airlines, Kommersant reports.

CEO of Aeroflot, Vitaly Savelyev, stated yesterday that the company will not exercise the option on purchase of additional nine aircraft intended for Rossiya. According to him, the jets were purchased at the adequate price at first but then the manufacturer has significantly increased their cost.

Ilyushin Finance & Co. leasing company (IFC), which delivered An-148s to Rossiya, confirmed that United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has increased the price of the jets, although they believe that the increase was uncritical for “the airline’s decision”. The list price of An-148 aircraft is about $30 million, a source close to the market said. "The actual value offered to the airlines is much lower than the list price, however, it was really increased as compared to the prices offered three years ago",— he said.

Another source explains this fact by “high cost of the jet’s production caused by the unpredictable price escalation on the part of component suppliers". "First of all this refers to Ukrainian partners", — he said noting that the engines are delivered by Motor Sich (Ukraine).

However, IFC assures that An-148 is still cheaper than the foreign rivals by 15-20%. UAC declined comments on Aeroflot’s decision, underlining that the corporation was not going to manufacture and sell another nine Аn-148s.