First Flight and Introduction of the Antonov An-158 Regional Jet Airliner (2010–2013)

The Antonov An-158 was introduced as a stretched regional jet airliner developed by the Antonov Design Bureau to carry more passengers than its predecessor, the An-148. The aircraft completed its first flight on 28/04/2010 at Svyatoshyn Airfield in Kyiv, Ukraine. The An-158 was designed as an extended version of the An-148 regional jet, with a longer fuselage that allowed airlines to increase passenger capacity while maintaining similar operational performance. The An-158 features a high-wing configuration and is powered by two Progress D-436-148 turbofan engines, each producing approximately 67 kN of thrust. The aircraft typically accommodates up to 99 passengers, depending on the seating configuration. Its design includes modern avionics and a glass cockpit similar to the An-148, allowing for efficient flight operations and improved navigation systems. The aircraft has a cruising speed of approximately 800–870 km/h and a range of around 2,500 to 3,100 kilometers, depending on passenger load and flight conditions. The An-158 shares many structural and system components with the An-148, including the landing gear and wing design, which allows it to operate from short or less-developed runways. The fuselage was extended by approximately 1.7 meters, enabling the installation of additional passenger seating while maintaining operational compatibility with the An-148’s systems and infrastructure. After completing testing and certification, the aircraft entered commercial service on 15/04/2013 with Cubana de Aviación, the national airline of Cuba. Serial production of the An-158 was carried out at the Antonov Serial Production Plant in Kyiv, Ukraine in cooperation with aviation manufacturers involved in the An-148 program. The Antonov An-158 represented a development of the An-148 regional jet family aimed at increasing passenger capacity for short and medium-haul routes while maintaining the aircraft’s capability to operate from regional airports with limited infrastructure. #AviationHistory #Antonov #An158 #RegionalJet #Aviation