Saratov Airlines unveils first An-148

On Monday, October 31, Saratov Airlines published photos of its very first Antonov An-148 regional jet on social media. Currently the aircraft, with registration number RA-61703, is undergoing painting at Voronezh Aircraft Production Association (known by the Russian acronym VASO), from where it will fly to Saratov to begin service with the Russian airline by November 7-8.
“We are currently preparing to receive the aircraft, the short-haul An-148, which is a new type for our fleet,” said a Saratov Airlines spokesperson. “Saratov is planning on taking two aircraft into its fleet by the end of 2016. The first has already been painted into the airline’s livery.”
According to the photographs posted by the airline, the new An-148 received livery that is almost identical to that of the carrier’s two Embraer E195s.
A source told Russian Aviation Insider last week that the second An-148 that Saratov plans to receive is being prepared for a ferry flight from St. Petersburg Pulkovo airport to VASO.

As with Saratov’s E195s, the aircraft is being painted primarily orange. (Photo by Elena Primavera / Saratov Airlines / VKontakte)

Besides painting, VASO is also providing the An-148 aircraft with maintenance services. (Photo by Elena Primavera / Saratov Airlines / VKontakte)

Saratov Airlines is acquiring the An-148 as a replacement for its ageing Yakovlev Yak-42 regional aircraft. (Photo by Elena Primavera / Saratov Airlines / VKontakte)
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