Airplane “Stephan the Great” goes on test flight above Moldova

The state-run airline Air Moldova today starts testing the new Embraer 190 called “Stephan the Great”. This is the first plane bought by a Moldovan company directly from the factory. It will run on regular routes from this weekend or the start of next week, Air Moldova director and flight commander Iulian Scorpan told Info-Prim Neo. The Embraer 190 has a seating capacity of 114. It costs US$35.5 million and was purchased in leasing from a Brazilian factory. The plane landed at the Chisinau International Airport on Monday, May 10. It was blessed by his Holiness Vladimir, Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and all Moldova. “The Embraer 190 is one of the most modern, comfortable and safest aircraft” Iulian Scorpan told a news conference. The glass pilots' cabin contains five navigation screens with information about the flight systems. The plane works on low fuel consumption and is maintained at a cost that is by 20% lower than for other airplanes of the company. Attending the presentation of the plane, Acting President Mihai Ghimpu said Moldovan needs modern infrastructure in order to enter the EU. “It is a good purchase. It is the first plane we bought since we declared our independence,” Mihai Ghimpu said. Minister of Transport Anatol Salaru stressed that the Embraer 190 is one of the best and economical aiplanes. “We hope the Moldovan citizens and foreigners will approve of the qualities of this plane,” he said. Air Moldova now has four planes (3 Airbuses and the new Embraer 190). It provides flights to 19 destinations.