IATA A40ICAO A140

Antonov AN-140

Antonov

TravelerPulse profile

Ukrainian-Iranian regional turboprop for short-haul routes.

First flight

1997

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

Range

3,700 km

Engines

Two Klimov TV3-117VMA-SBM1 turboprops

Status

In service (limited)

The Antonov An-140 is a twin-turboprop regional airliner developed by Ukraine's Antonov design bureau in the 1990s as a modern replacement for the Soviet-era An-24. Designed for operation on short and medium regional routes, it features a high-wing configuration, retractable tricycle landing gear, and is capable of operating from unprepared airstrips in challenging environments. The aircraft entered service in the late 1990s and was produced in Ukraine as well as under license in Iran by HESA (Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company), where it was designated the IrAn-140. The Iranian variant saw more significant production numbers and commercial use than the Ukrainian-built version. Operations have been limited and the type has experienced a troubled history, including several fatal accidents involving the Iranian-built variant. Production has largely ceased and the fleet in service has dwindled considerably.

Notable operators

Iran Aseman Airlines and Mahan Air operated the Iranian-built IrAn-140 variant, while Motor Sich Airlines operated Ukrainian-built examples.

Notable facts

›First flew on 17 September 1997 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
›Licensed production in Iran under the designation IrAn-140 by HESA.
›Designed as a successor to the Antonov An-24 for regional routes.
›Capable of operating from unpaved or gravel runways.
›Several fatal accidents involving the IrAn-140 raised significant safety concerns about the Iranian-built variant.