According to some experts the production of An-178 transport aircraft may be launched in 2014. It was declared by the councilor of the CEO of State Enterprise Kharkov Machinery Plant FED, Vladimir Derluk. 

"An-178 is not a serial vehicle yet – its testing is underway. I think that its production may be launched by Antonov State Enterprise in 2014 at best. After that we will start the production of components for this jet", - V. Derluk said.

According to him, the number of kits produced by FED for An-178 aircraft will depend on the number of manufactured aircraft. "Antonov is our longstanding partner – we are supplying components for An-148, An-158 and An-74 aircraft. And we are looking forward to continue development of our relations with Antonov", - V. Derluk said. 

He noted that besides Antonov State Enterprise, the State Enterprise Kharkov Machinery Plant FED is also cooperating with Motor-Sich (about 40% of the FED’s products are supplied to this company). FED (part of Ukroboronprom concern) intends to take part in production of An-178 transport aircraft derived from An-148 and An-158. 

We remind you that General Designer of Antonov State Enterprise, Dmitry Keeva, said at Paris Air Show 2013 (Le Bourget, France) that the advanced An-178 transport aircraft will perform its maiden flight in 2014. "We have already started the assembly of this jet and we plan to complete it next year. After that the flight testing will be started", - D. Keeva said. 

According to him, An-178 will be able to carry up to 18 tons of payload and its range will be 4000 km. "The aircraft will be able to deliver maritime containers, packages, etc. to regions having only unpaved or short runways", - D. Keeva noted. He added that An-178 has the form of cargo hold like С160 and An-12 aircraft, but it will have better performance.