Lukashenko: I'll be happy if we can make our own aircraft

Civilian aircraft manufacturing may begin in Belarus. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with employees of the organizations located at premises of Minsk National Airport on 11 August, BelTA has learned.

According to the head of state, the relocation of Minsk Civil Aviation Plant to the territory of Minsk National Airport became a new milestone in the life of the enterprise.



Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “I wouldn't even call it a plant: it should be treated as a beginning. It is the first step in this direction. We will do everything to support repair and service divisions and maybe the creation, construction of our own aircraft. We will promote it. We have two major sites: a military plant in Baranovichi and a civil one here. If you can make some military products, I will be only grateful and will support you. If that enterprise makes something for you, for civilians, I will also support it. But since we've started manufacturing automobiles, I have this crazy thought (if I have the time to start it in my presidential life): if we manage to start making an aircraft of our own, I will be simply happy. It means my new dream may come true. So I have this crazy thought regarding taking the production of civilian aircraft to the next level. We've mastered repairs and maintenance. Customers have virtually no complaints about you. We will move forward.”



The president recalled how car manufacturing had begun in Belarus: after lengthy negotiations with various companies the Chinese side became a partner in the end. By the way, Aleksandr Lukashenko described car manufacturing as another dream of his own. “This year we will make 60,000 automobiles, which have earned a very good reputation,” he added.