Bilateral agreement reached on Russian aircraft supply to Syria.

Moscow, June 22 (UNI) Russian company Ilyushin Finance, the Voronezh Aircraft Construction Company (VASO) and Syrian Arab Airlines have reached agreement on the delivery of six Russian aircraft to Syria.

RIA Novosti news agency reported quoting the Voronezh Region Governor press service that Deputy Russian Transportation Minister held talks yesterday with his Syrian counterpart on bilateral cooperation, including the purchase of Russian airliners by the Syrian air company.

Currently, Syria operates Russian-made Il-76, Tu-134, Tu-154, Yak-40 and Yak-42 airliners and has expressed an interest in purchasing three Il-96 and four Tu-204 aircraft, the agency said.

According to the Voronezh administration, three Il-96s and three regional jets would be delivered to Syria after the Syrian Transportation Minister, the chief executives of the Syrian airline and the Russian companies signed a protocol.

The Il-96-300, a modification of the Il-96, can carry 235 passengers. President Vladimir Putin flies in on one such aircraft when he makes overseas visits.

The sides also agreed to build a centre to service Russian airplanes in a Middle East country.

''The Voronezh Region is extremely interested in building long-term economic relations with Syria," Voronezh Region Governor Vladimir Kulakov said, adding "Each new Voronezh-made plane sold abroad benefits the regional economy, it means replenishing the Region's budget and further expanding production.'' UNI XC ARB DB2044