SUKHOI’S SUPERJET 100 BECOMES BIGGEST SENSATION AT LE BOURGET

PRAVDA
conomics/24-06-2009/107835-Superjet_100-0
June 24 2009
Russia

This year is obviously not the most successful one for aircraft
manufacturers as air shows take place during the economic
crisis. Despite this fact the 48th International Paris Air Show at
Le Bourget attracted more than 140,000 businessmen.

According to Mikhaill Pogosyan, the general director of Russia’s
renowned Sukhoi Design Bureau, the crisis has led to the increase in
demand on civil aviation instead of military.

The Superjet 100’s made its debut flight as its manufacturer, Sukhoi,
was busy signing up customers. The entrerprise eventually hopes
to build 70 planes a year.The Sukhoi-made aircraft took a big step
forward in Paris with a smooth, flawless performance. International
airlines now want to see the details.

The next step will be the Moscow Air Show in August. The head of
Superjet producer, Sukhoi, says the inside of the plane will be ready
by then, RT.tv reports.

The Superjet 100 appeared to be the only new model at Le Bourget. It
was flying above the airport attracting the attention of spectators,
journalists and professionals. At the end of the air show more than
120 Superjet 100 contracts were signed.

Sukhoi expects to sell 800 aircraft until the year 2024, while the
global demand for the aircraft of this class totals 5,400. So far
the company had secured 73 solid orders for the aircraft.

Armenian Armavia will receive the first two planes, followed by
Aeroflot, which ordered a total of 30 planes with an option for
15 more.

Other buyers of the plane include Russia’s Avialeasing Company,
Swiss Ama Asset Management Advisor and Indonesian Kartika Airlines.

As of June 2009, Thirteen planes are currently under construction,
and the first four will be handed over to clients by the end of the
year. After 2012, the company will build 70 Superjets per year.