Russia's Only Aircraft Producer to be Announced

Aeroflot to modernize more of its airplanes in 2004
The Russian Government is to announce creation of an aircraft building company involving resources of the national and private business within the nearest month. Vice-premier Boris Aleshin announced it on Wednesday, December 31 when Aeroflot and JSC Ilyushin Finance concluded a contract for leasing of six IL-96-300 planes. The airline is going to enable the planes for flights to China and India and for chartered flights.

The Russian Government emphasizes the deal is particularly important; in general, Russian airlines bought 17 domestically produced passenger liners over 2003. Boris Aleshin says, Russia will achieve much success if clients' demand for airplanes remains high and producers understands that the client is always right. Russia's Minister for Transport Sergey Frank was present at signing of the agreement.
 
RIA Novosti learnt at the Aeroflot public relations department that the acquired airliners are equipped with modern avionics in accordance with the international standard.
 
A spokesperson for the department says the new IL-96-300 planes are business and economic class. At that, it is for the first time that Aeroflot business class passenger seats of the cocoon type can be transformed into beds. Passengers will feel comfortable because the distance between seats makes up 1.5 meters.

Aeroflot also plans to modernize the cockpits and the navigation aids of the IL-96-300 that the airline already holds. The Aeroflot public relations department reports the modernization will start in 2004.