The Ukrainian next-generation An-158 regional passenger aircraft during trials in Latin America in November confirmed its capabilities to use airfields altitudes of up to 4,000 meters above sea level, the press service of the Antonov State Enterprise (Kyiv) told Interfax-Ukraine.

"This will considerably expand the geography of An-148/An-158 family aircraft exploitation, including in Latin America: carriers of the region, including Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Cuba, have expressed their intentions to buy around 50 aircraft," the press service said.

The press service said that the trials were conducted at the airports of Latacunga, Ecuador (2,800 meters above sea level) and La Paz (Bolivia, 4,000 meters above sea level).

"At present, Antonov Enterprise is preparing documents to receive supplements to the certificate for aircraft," the press service said.

The An-158 is a regional jet aircraft that can carry up to 99 passengers. The aircraft's range is 2,500 kilometers.

This year Antonov also started supplying An-158 regional passenger jets with 99 seats to Cubana de Aviacion airline. The jets are being built in Kyiv under a contract signed in 2011 with Russia's Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC). Three jets were delivered to the Cuban customer, and one more jet will be transferred by the end of the year. In 2014, another three aircraft will be delivered.