Antonov State Enterprise (Kyiv) has denied media reports that the top managers of the enterprise allegedly demerged its division – Antonov Airlines – as preparations for corporatization of the leading Ukrainian aircraft designer and manufacturer.

"Information about demerger of Antonov Airlines from Antonov State Enterprise is untrue," the press service said.

The air transport department of Antonov State Enterprise was established in 1989 for air transportation of extra-heavy and non-standard goods on a commercial basis. It is aimed at ensuring the further operation of the enterprise in the conditions of the termination of government financing. Antonov Airlines continues working in the same status until now.

"Since then, the airline has not changed its status, operates as an air transport unit of the enterprise, providing part of the financial income to Antonov State Enterprise," the press service said.

The press service said that due to the new geopolitical situation, the Ukrainian heavy transport AN-124-100 operator Ruslan halted cooperation with Russia's Volga-Dnepr Airlines and operates on the air cargo market independently, including within the NATO SALIS program.

"Working with the general sales agent Dreamlifts Ltd (Britain), Antonov State Enterprise returned to the form of doing business that was originally chosen for the air transport unit when its general agent was the British company Air Foyle," the press service said.