The first example of a VIP-configured Antonov An-148 regional airliner is due to enter service by year-end, after flying for the first time early in October. Three of the An-148-100EA versions of the twinjet are currently being completed at United Aircraft Corporation’s Vaso factory in Voronezh, Russia. Back in December 2011, the Russian government awarded a contract valued at almost $66 million for two of the aircraft and it has indicated that it may subsequently order four more. These aircraft will be operated by the country’s Special Air Detachment, which transports senior government officials.