Foreign company mulling Ukraine air services market entry with purchase of An aircraft – minister

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii says a foreign company is considering the possibility of entering the Ukrainian market of domestic air transportation along with the purchase of aircraft built by a Kyiv-based state-owned Antonov.

"Foreign companies are willing to enter domestic [air] services [market]. The move is very strange. After all, they are less profitable than international ones. They are considering this option in conjunction with the purchase of aircraft of our manufacturer Antonov. But let's wait for concrete steps, because this is an idea that has only been voiced by an investor," he told UNIAN on November 28.

Read alsoUkraine's Antonov to supply An-178 cargo aircraft to Peru police

Kryklii also stressed that Antonov's An aircraft might perform internal flights only.

"The reason is that it is not being recognized in Europe in terms of flights. And it won't be, because of competition. Moreover, Antonov has no extensive network of representative offices, which is required for repairs and maintenance of aircraft. Now Antonov is unable to do this," the minister said.