A merger of Ukrainian civil aircraft manufacturing and design capability into one company is a positive way forward for the country's aviation industry, says Pavel Naumenko, general director of Kharkov State Aircraft Manufacturing Company.
In addition to KSAMC, which manufactures the Antonov An-74 and An-140, Ukraine's industry includes the Aviant Kiev State Aviation Plant that produces the An-124, An-70 and Tupolev Tu-334. The Antonov Design Bureau is also located in Kiev.
"The government is discussing the integration of all three," says Naumenko. "It is not the right way to all be separate. I give great support to this deal. It is very progressive and is the way of the market."
A move to create "one company and one brand" is nearing, says Naumenko, with the decision possibly coming this year.
Source: Flight Daily News
