PZL Mielec is to develop a stretched version of its 19-seat, M28 Skytruck utility twin turboprop with help from the Antonov design bureau.
Representatives of Poland's industrial development agency ARP PZL and Antonov signed an agreement in Warsaw last month. "Production will start during the next 12-24 months," says ARP president Arkadiusz Krezel.
Developed from the M28 - itself a Westernised derivative of the Antonov An-28 - the AM-128 Plus will have a lengthened fuselage and retractable landing gear. A turbofan-powered version is also planned.
Meanwhile, operators Air Guyane/Air Antilles Express and Vieques Air Link have placed the first commercial orders for the basic Skytruck variant.
Source: Flight International