The Venezuelan air force is expected to conduct an in-country evaluation of the Antonov An-74 and An-140 transports as part of a possible 40-aircraft acquisition that will also support the air activities of the nation's navy. The flights will add to demonstrations conducted in Ukraine earlier this year.

A Ukrainian industry source says bilateral talks are centred on the acquisition of 30 An-74s to initially support, but later replace, the Venezuelan air force's Alenia G222 and Lockheed MartinC-130E/H transports. Venezuelan sources say an unspecified number will be acquired in a maritime patrol configuration, with discussions also ongoing for the possible acquisition of eight to 10 An-140s to replace the navy's EADS Casa C-212 light transports.

Source: Flight International