Saudi-backed cargo aircraft, the Antonov AN-132D, had a successful maiden flight from the manufacturer’s airfield near the Ukrainian capital Kiev on 31 March. The one hour, 50 minute flight was captained by Victor Goncharov alongside co-pilot Bohdan Zagoruyko, both from Antonov. They were accompanied by test pilot Major General (retired) Captain Mohammed Bin Saeed Ayash of Saudi Arabia’s Taqnia Aeronautics Company. Saudi coverage described him as piloting the plane alongside a crew of Ukrainian pilots and technicians. The AN-132D is being developed by Antonov in close co-operation with ТTaqnia and King Abdelaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
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