ATW Daily News

Sukhoi: Superjet will fly this month

Thursday May 8, 2008

Sukhoi Superjet 100's first flight is expected sometime this month, Superjet International Senior VP-Commercial Aircraft Paolo Revelli Beaumont confirmed at this week's Regional Airline Assn. conference in Indianapolis.

"All component testing is done," Beaumont said (ATWOnline, May 5). First delivery to launch customer Aeroflot is expected in the first quarter of 2009.

"All aircraft programs have some delays," Sukhoi VP-Sales and Marketing Svetlana Issaeva said, pointing to problems with new aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. "It's quite clear that the first flight will have an impact on the delivery."

To date there are 73 firm orders for the regional jet. Beaumont said he considers Superjet will be the "third player" in a market dominated by Bombardier and Embraer. The aircraft will be powered by the newly developed SaM 146, which he said will feature 13,000-17,500 lb. thrust and 13%-14% better fuel consumption than present engines.

by Sandra Arnoult

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