The new Ukrainian An-178 transport aircraft with carrying capacity of 18 tons has made its debut in the summer program of ILA Berlin Air Show 2016 in Germany.

The new Ukrainian aircraft performed aerobatic elements in extremely adverse weather conditions, the press service of the Antonov State Enterprise reported.

"Because of the bad weather, the demonstration flights were allowed only to the European Airbus A400M and Ukrainian Antonov An-178, which made its debut in the flight program of the international exhibition," the press service said.

The new An-178 aircraft is created to replace An-12 planes and is designed for the effective fulfillment of its tasks as a transport aircraft, including logistics and transportation of equipment. Some experts say the An-178 aircraft can serve as a modern replacement of the C-160. The aircraft has a modified form of fuselage, a ramp for loading and unloading of bulky cargo and can lift up to 18 tons of cargo, including heavy maritime containers. The industrial cooperation program for the An-178 involves about 200 companies from fifteen countries. The Antonov Enterprise is promoting the aircraft in the Middle East and Central Asia. The United Arab Emirates, China and Azerbaijan expressed interest in the new Ukrainian transport aircraft.

The An-178 aircraft premiered at Le Bourget 2015 outside Paris, where it was one of the major events. It was also showcased at Dubai Air Show 2015 in the UAE.

ILA Berlin Air Show, which takes place in Berlin on June 1-4 is one of Europe's largest specialized exhibitions. According to the organizers, this year the air show is attended by 1,200 companies from 40 countries.

In addition to the An-178, Ukraine presents the An-132 new multipurpose aircraft, the An-148/158 special purpose aircraft and the An-70 transport aircraft at ILA Berlin Air Show 2016.