ANTONOV has called for a revamped variant of the An-124-100 aircraft being developed by Russia's Ilyushin Design Bureau to be given a new designation on the grounds that the updates will result in key changes to the aircraft's performance, said London's Air Cargo News.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a rift over the ongoing operation of the freighters. Reports suggest that Ilyushin is developing deep modifications to the An-124-100 and plans to designate the aircraft An-124-100m.
But Antonov says: 'Selection and installation of new equipment by Ilyushin Design Bureau will lead to key changes of the aircraft performance in comparison to the basic model. So, a new aircraft will appear.
'That is why it needs a new designation without reference to 'AN', because Antonov Company does not take part in development of this new airplane and will not responsible for its safety.'
Russia-based Volga-Dnepr Group currently operates 12 of the aircraft within its charter business. The Russian military also utilises the freighter.
Earlier this year a Ukrainian Court ordered the arrest of five of Volga-Dnepr's An-124s on the grounds that maintenance checks have not been completed by an authorised entity.
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The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a rift over the ongoing operation of the freighters. Reports suggest that Ilyushin is developing deep modifications to the An-124-100 and plans to designate the aircraft An-124-100m.
But Antonov says: 'Selection and installation of new equipment by Ilyushin Design Bureau will lead to key changes of the aircraft performance in comparison to the basic model. So, a new aircraft will appear.
'That is why it needs a new designation without reference to 'AN', because Antonov Company does not take part in development of this new airplane and will not responsible for its safety.'
Russia-based Volga-Dnepr Group currently operates 12 of the aircraft within its charter business. The Russian military also utilises the freighter.
Earlier this year a Ukrainian Court ordered the arrest of five of Volga-Dnepr's An-124s on the grounds that maintenance checks have not been completed by an authorised entity.
WORLD SHIPPING