Zelensky roots for setting up airline with fleet of Antonov planes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the government to work on establishing in 2021 a Ukrainian airline, which will use planes produced by the country's aviation manufacturer Antonov.

The comment came as Zelensky spoke at a ceremony for signing a Memorandum between the Ministry of Defense and the Antonov State Enterprise on the manufacture of aircraft for the Armed Force's needs, the President's Office reports.

The head of state has invited state customers to continue working on new contracts next year for the production of An-178s.

"He also urged the government to work on the establishment of a Ukrainian airline in 2021, which will use Antonov aircraft," the report reads. "The President commissioned to develop the state scientific and technical program on development of the aviation industry for 2021-2030 and to prepare the corresponding meeting of NSDC of Ukraine."

"Let's do everything possible for Ukraine's aviation industry to overcome all turbulence zones and reach new highs," Volodymyr Zelensky summed up.

In August 2020, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky said the government would be creating a state-owned aerospace holding, which will include enterprises now managed by the State Space Agency, as well as aviation factories.

Read alsoDefense Ministry, Antovov to sign contract on three An-178 by year-endOn November 11, the Cabinet approved the concept of the State Target Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of the Aviation Industry for 2021-2030. The estimated funding stands at UAH 40 billion, of which UAH 20 billion will be allocated from the national budget. The program implementation will save nearly 50,000 jobs and create another 6,000 new ones.

Among the expected results is the development of new transport aircraft, helicopters, drones, as well as modernization of existing ones.

Also, this should help develop new aviation technology, material used in serial production, engines, and other aviation equipment, while the volume of products sold in the industry could amount to UAH 300-350 billion.

Budget 2021 and Aviation Industry

On December 15, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill on the State Budget of Ukraine for 2021. It provides for the allocation of UAH 89 billion for the "Big Construction" Program, UAH 4.5 billion for the development of Ukrzaliznytsia railway operator, and UAH 2.4 billion for the development of Ukrainian airports.

Vladyslav Kryklii, Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister, said the Budget 2021 ensures financing for the development of airports in Dnipro (UAH 1.4 billion), Vinnitsa (UAH 604 million), Kherson (UAH 320 million), and Rivne (UAH 75.7 million).

On December 17, 2020, Kryklii suggested Ukrainian aviation industry in 2021 would rebound 50% to last year's figures.