KIEV, Sept. 3 - The number of firm orders for An-148 regional jets by 2010 today is estimated at 45 jets, and the intentions to buy 89 jets have been confirmed, Antonov Design Bureau told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to Antonov Design Bureau Chief Designer Dmytro Kiva, the of MAKS-2007 international air show held near Moscow Aug. 18 through Aug. 26 was very successful for the An-148 program. In particular, the contract between Russia's Ilyushin Finance leasing company and the Voronezh-based Aviation Aircraft Building Association in Russia on the purchase of 34 jets from 2008 to 2010 to exploit them in Russia and other countries was signed. Aircraft engine maker Motor Sich of Zaporizhia, Ukraine, and Russia's Ilyushin Finance leasing company signed a contract for 74 D-436-148 aviation engines for Antonov An-148 regional passenger jets. Some of the engines and power systems will be installed on 12 An-148 planes, which GTK Rossia, an air company running scheduled, charter and VIP flights, ordered from Ilyushin Finance.