Antonov state enterprise (Kyiv) plans to start practical cooperation with China on the completion of modernized An-225 Mriya aircraft with a carrying capacity of 250 tonnes under the Aerospace Industry Corporation of China (AICC), however, the concern emphasizes the timing depends on the Chinese side.

Deputy chief designer of Antonov state enterprise Hennadiy Habruk said the Ukrainian side is interested by the end of the year to start the development of design documentation for the upgraded An-225 aircraft, which will be built in Kyiv for AICC under a separate contract.

He found it difficult to clarify the deadline for signing a contract, as well as the expected timeframe for transferring the upgraded super transport aircraft to the customer, stressing "everything depends on China's capabilities."

He said if financing is provided in full, Ukrainian aircraft builders will need about four or five years for certification of the upgraded Mriya aircraft.