Malaysian firm pushes ahead on leasing deal for Russian plane

Financial Leasing Company opened talks Tuesday on leasing the An-38-120 aircraft to Malaysian airfreight carriers. The talks took place under the umbrella of the LIMA-2003 airshow, where FLC is part of the Russian delegation. Rosbalt was informed of the development by the press service of the company.

The An-38-120 is produced by Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Manufacturing Group. It has been certified by the new AP-25 aviation standards that accord with the respective European and American standards, JAR-25 and FAR-25. The plane meets the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization for noise, engine emissions and may be used over Europe and the United States. In addition, the An-38-120 has distinct advantages over its competitors, the Shorts-330-200 and C-212-300, in price and in technical and flying characteristics.

It may be recalled that in February of this year a formal intention to lease the An-38-120 was signed by Layang Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), Novosibirsk Chkalov and FLC (Moscow). 'FLC plans to use financial leasing as a way to increase production and enhance the competitiveness of Russian aviation technology,' FLC's general director, Evgeny Zaritzky, said.

FLC registered in January 1997 in Moscow. The company specializes in leasing services for Russia's military-industrial complex and for other transportation and manufacturing companies. Principal owners: Russia and the Republic of Tartarstan and its governmental subsidiaries. Partner companies include Gorbunov, Chkalov, Sukhoi, RosDefenseExport and Dalavia, of Khabarovsk.