Top managers of Tajikistan’s privately owned airline Somon Air have met with representatives of AVIC Intl (AVIC International Holding Corporation) in here to discuss cooperation.
According to the Somon Air press center, IVIC Intl representatives presented capabilities of the Y-12E plane.
It was noted during the meeting that this type of aircraft is suitable for operation in mountainous areas and can take off and land on short unpaved runways.
The Y-12 started as a development of the Harbin Y-11 airframe called Y-11T in 1980. The design featured numerous improvements including a redesigned wing with a new low drag section, a larger fuselage and bonded rather than riveted construction. It also replaced the radial piston engines with turboprops.
The Y-12 has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,700 kilograms with seating for 17 passengers and two crew. The aircraft is operated as a light commuter and transport aircraft.
Y-12E is the variant with 18 passenger seats. PT6A-135A engines of equal horsepower but increased torque driving four-bladed propellers. This version was certified by the FAA in 2006.
The latest development is the Y-12F, which is almost a new design with many improvements: new wings, landing gear, fuselage, more powerful engines, and extended payload and range. The Y-12F made its maiden flight on December 29, 2010, received CAAC type certification on December 10, 2015, and FAA type certification on February 22, 2016.
Somon Air is the first private airline in Tajikistan with an office headquartered in Dushanbe. The airline operations are based at Dushanbe International Airport. The airline started operating on February 5, 2008 with regular flights to Moscow and Dubai. Somon Air also serves as the official carrier of President of the Republic of Tajikistan and other Tajikistan high-ranking officials.
Somon Air is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Somon Air's fleet consists of Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 family aircraft. The company is focused on expanding the route network of air transportation and the fleet, and currently operates regular flights from Tajikistan to Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, China, India, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
AVIC International Holding Corporation (AVIC INTERNATIONAL) is a global diversified holding business group, under the control of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Is business involves aviation, electronics, international business, modern services, etc. The corporation owns 8 domestic and foreign listed companies, and has established over 150 branches in more than 60 countries and regions. Its clients reportedly spread in over 180 countries and regions.
