Sukhoi commences delivery of the Superjet 100
20 Apr 2011
London: Russia's ambitions to enter the global commercial aircraft market in a significant way has taken a significant step ahead with the delivery of the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 to Armenia's Armavia Airline.
Joint launch customer, Armavia, has two aircraft on order while Russian flag carrier, Aeroflot, has a firm order for 30. Aeroflot is due to receive its first aircraft around the time Armavia receives its second.
The Superjet 100 International joint venture with Alenia Aeronautica will support and market the aircraft globally.
The programme still needs to clear a few milestones before it can soar completely free. Its European Aviation Safety Agency certification is not yet in hand, but due this year. It received its Russian type certificate in February.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Corp (SCAC) has said it will deliver 14 aircraft in 2011 and 25 in 2012.
Other partners in the development programme for the jet were PowerJet joint venture partners, NPO Saturn and Snecma, who have co-developed the SaM146 turbofan powering the regional jet.