Russia's Voronezh Aircraft Production Association (VASO) has signed a contract with Ilyushin Finance Co. for delivery of three An-148-100E passenger planes for Angara airline, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said on Wednesday.

The Antonov An-148 is a regional jet aircraft designed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau and produced by Ukraine's Kiev Aviation Plant AVIANT and Russia's VASO.

“All three planes will be delivered this year,” UAC said in a statement.

It is the second solid order for An-148s made by Ilyushin Finance. The main operator of the An-148 is Rossiya airline (part of Aeroflot group).

“This contract increases our order portfolio for Voronezh-made An-148s to 19 aircraft,” UAC said. “UAC is holding talks with several customers on the delivery of an additional 20 planes.”

Angara, a regional airline operating in Siberia, is part of Irkutsk-based Eastland holding.

In 2011, Eastland, Angara and Ilyushin Finance signed a deal for the lease of 10 An-148 planes for 15 years. Another seven An-148s are expected to be delivered to Angara in the next two years.

Angara is currently operating outdated An-24 and An-26 short-range passenger aircraft.