Russia successfully tests Cuba-ordered passenger jet

VORONEZH, January 26 (RIA Novosti) - An aircraft manufacturing plant in the central Russian city of Voronezh has successfully completed trials of a passenger jet ordered by Cuba's national air carrier, the plant's press office said Thursday.

The Voronezh aircraft maker has manufactured two Il-96-300 VIP, long-range passenger jets. The first plane arrived in Cuba before the New Year and the second plane is expected to be delivered in early February 2006.

The order paves the way for the Russian Ilyushin aircraft design bureau's system of financing aircraft exports.

In 2006, the Voronezh aircraft maker will also manufacture another two Il-96-300 planes for Cuba that will be equipped with anti-terrorist Fountain blast inhibitors.

The Voronezh plant and the Sukhoi aircraft design bureau are beginning joint work on the government program producing Russian regional jets (RRJs). The plant's 2006 book of orders also includes six An-148 Russian-Ukrainian regional jets, the implementation of an international project with Airbus and orders to install new engines on Il-76 planes.