Antonov has completed the maiden flight of its new An-132D.

The prototype took off from Antonov Airport in Kiev and flew for 1 hour and 50 minutes, escorted by an An-178 aircraft.

According to Antonov, the An-132 programme is being developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Taqnia Aeronautics and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

“The next important step will be the presentation of the An-132D in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which will be conducted after the completion of more aircraft tests,” said Oleksandr A. Kotsiuba, president of Antonov.

The light, multipurpose An-132D is designed for short- and medium-haul routes and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines. It has a payload of up to 9.2 tonnes and will carry raw materials, mail and cargo such as bulk cargo, ULDs and light self-propelled or non-self-propelled vehicles, according to Antonov.