Antonov Design Bureau (Kyiv) is developing new passenger aircraft on the basis of the An-148, the press service of the Industry Ministry has reported.

In particular, the bureau is designing the An-158, which has a capacity of 99 passengers, while the An-148-100 can transport no more than 85 passengers. The ministry estimates market demand for such aircraft at 200 airplanes by 2015.

In addition, the bureau is developing the comfort-enhanced An-168 with a capacity of up to 40 passengers for journeys of up to 7,000 kilometers. The ministry estimates market demand for such aircraft at 60 airplanes by 2015 and at over 120 airplanes by 2025.

As reported, on June 2, AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines started operating the An148-100 on regular domestic flights.