I would say this is a very good idea for both parties. In this way Airbus has a fair change of getting a market share in the Russian regional market and for Antonov it's a good way tp promote the aircraft in Europe.Kiev based ANTK Antonov has received an offer from Airbus about the joint promotion of the An-148 in the foreign markets. Oleg Bogdanov, the assistance to the general designer, says that the interest of the Europeans for joint co-operation is because Airbus does not produce a family of regional airliners. Airbus representatives have traditionally refused to make comments on a situation before a firm decision has been made, however, they do not deny the fact that negotiations with Antonov have been taking place
In the opinion of experts, the interest of Airbus in the An-148 is a continuation of struggle for a share in the former USSR by the world's two largest aircraft manufacturers -- EADS (which includes Airbus) and the American Boeing.
On one hand, Boeing has made inroads which the Europeans have not -- Boeing has for some years been a participant with OKB Sukhoi on the creation of the new RRJ Russian regional aircraft. However, Airbus have now shown interest in supporting an almost ready aircraft -- the first An-148 will fly in July 2004, whereas the RRJ only exists on paper.
The An-148 is a 2 engined regional aircraft designed for carrying from 70-90 passengers, with a range of 2500km. Development of the aircraft began in the day of the USSR, however, financial and other difficulties have prevented its actual development until this year. The aircraft is under construction with the participation of several Russian and Ukrainian factories. Representative of KhGAPP told RBC Daily, that work on the wings is practically complete.
It is possible to explain the interest of the Europeans in the Russo-Ukrainian project with several reasons. Firstly, the market for regional aircraft in Russia and Ukraine is a demanding one -- estimations up to 2010 are that airlines will require 600-800 regional aircraft. Airbus does not have a true regional class airliners -- the smallest aircraft is the 107 seat A318. With other projects currently using available Airbus resources, such as the A380, Airbus is unable to start development of its own regional aircraft, so co-operation with another manufacturer would be most ideal for the European company. Ideal candidates for co-operation with Airbus would be Bombardier and Embraer, both of which have successfully manufactured regional jets for several years. However, with the state of the CIS aviation industry -- being in a state of 'distress' -- Airbus would be able to receive more favourable concessions in Russia/Ukraine than they would in Canada or Brazil.
Airbus represenatives will not disclose negotiations with Antonov, they do not deny them. Victor Livanov of VASO confirms that VASO has been in 'serious negotiations' with EADS on future co-operation, with discussions centreing on the An-148. Some experts believe that any Airbus role in the An-148 project will be similar to Boeing's in the Suhkoi-led RRJ project -- that role being marketing support for the aircraft in foreign markets, and assisting the manufacturer with certification of the aircraft to 'western' standards.
Source: http://www.aviatsiya.ru/forums/viewthread.php?tid=872
The AN-148 is scheduled to make it's first flight next month and receiving it's certification in the beginning of 2005.
Currently there are 180 orders for this plane including order from Aeroflot and Pulkovo.
The AN-148 will get both western and russian made engines. And both engine types are classified for the future stage 4 operations.
First there will be place for 80 pax and there is also a very planned wich can carry up to 100 pax.
Antonov has set a list price of $17 million and direct operating costs range between 25- and 30 percent lower than those pegged for the Embraer 170.
I would say go ahead to Airbus and Antonov.
If this all will be a go ahead, something wich is really possible, then Airbus has beaten Boeing again.
While the RRJ Boeing participates in is only a paper plane at the moment.
Best Regards,
Yvo
Andries 
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