Aircraft

Yak-130 orderbook rises to 80

By Vladimir Karnozov

Irkut's orderbook for its Yakovlev Yak-130 new-generation advanced jet trainer has risen from 60 to 80 recently, according to Irkut president Oleg Demchenko.

Demchenko has not identified new customers, but it is thought that the increase stems from the firming up of Libyan interest in the type during Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin's visit to Tripoli earlier this year.

Separately, Irkut is seeking buyers for two "nearly complete" Beriev Be-200 amphibious firefighting jets, says Demchenko.

Irkut has made the first international sale of the Be-200, with one aircraft sold to Azerbaijan. Irkut hopes to firm up a contact with Russia's ministry for emergencies for eight additional Be-200s later this year.