VORONEZH, June 22 (RIA Novosti) - Leasing company Ilyushin Finance, the Voronezh Aircraft Construction Company [VASO] maker and Syrian Arab Airlines have agreed on deliveries of six Russian aircraft to Syria, the Voronezh governor press service said Thursday.
A deputy Russian transportation minister met with his Syrian counterpart Wednesday to discuss cooperation, including the purchase of Russian airliners by the Syrian air company.
Today Syria operates Russian-made Il-76, Tu-134, Tu-154, Yak-40 and Yak-42 airliners and has expressed an interest in purchasing three Il-96 and four Tu-204 aircraft.
And the Voronezh administration said three Il-96s and three regional jets would be delivered to Syria after the Arab nation's transportation minister, the chief executives of the Syrian airline and the Russian companies signed a protocol of intentions. They also agreed to build a center to service Russian airplanes in a Middle Eastern country.
"The Voronezh Region is extremely interested in building long-term economic relations with Syria," Governor Vladimir Kulakov said. "Each new Voronezh-made plane sold abroad benefits the regional economy, it means replenishing the region's budget and further expanding production."
Syrian representatives intend to visit the Voronezh aircraft maker later in the day, the administration said.
The Il-96-300, a modification of the Il-96, can hold 235 passengers. President Vladimir Putin flies in on one such aircraft when he makes overseas visits.
