Czech aircraft manufacturing company, Aircraft Industries (formerly Let Kunovice), demonstrated its multi-purpose aircraft L 410 NG at Dushanbe International Airport on February 27.
Representatives of the government, top managers of Tajik civil aviation structures and journalists were able to evaluate the aircraft during the flight. A demonstration flight was held for them.
Aircraft Industries L 410 NG ("New Generation") is a twin-engine 19-seat aircraft manufactured by Czech company, Aircraft Industries (formerly Let Kunovice). The aircraft is an upgraded version of the Let L 410 UVP-E20. The first flight took place on 29 July 2015. Serial production of the L 410 NG began in March 2018.
Compared to previous models, the L 410 NG has significant changes. It comes with new, more powerful GE H85-200 engines, combined with quieter AV-725 propellers; a new wing design featuring an integrated fuel tank; a more modern cockpit from Garmin; and a bigger luggage compartment.
With these improvements, the L 410 NG has doubled the maximum distance it can fly and can carry 500 kilograms in increased payload than the previous model. It is intended for commercial airlines, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and armed forces. In addition to the passenger version, it can also be configured as a cargo plane. It can be used especially in island states where there is a problem of refueling in remote islands. The aircraft is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK).
Recall, a delegation of Tajikistan’s privately owned airline Somon Air last month visited the Czech Republic to get acquainted with the process of production of L 410 NG planes at the LET Aircraft Industries plant and discuss issues related to training of Somon Air’s technical personnel, according to the Somon Air press center.
Besides, Somon Air officials also carried out negotiations with representatives on Czech Export Agency and Export Guarantee & Insurance Corporation on the issues of financing the possible acquisition of aircraft.
Somon Air is considering various options for expanding its fleet to operate domestic flights.
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.
