New Superjet 100 unveiled in Russia
Russia's first modern commercial passenger aircraft, the Sukhoi Superjet 100, has been unveiled in the far eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The airliner is intended to replace most of the country's outdated short and mid-range civil aircraft.
The ceremony of unveiling was attended by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister, Sergey Ivanov, and Chief Executive of the Sukhoi Aircraft Holding, Mikhail Pogosyan.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is the first passenger jet to come out of Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is built at a formerly secret military facility in the far east. It is hoped the Sukhoi Superjet 100 will mark the beginning of a renaissance in Russia's civil aviation industry. Officials hope the new aeroplane will also appeal to the overseas market.
The new Sukhoi promises to be much cheaper than many of its competitors. The company says it will be more fuel-efficient and more comfortable for passengers.
“We must begin test flights before the end of the year. I think the schedule is realistic. We are going to do everything needed to fulfil the task on time,” Mikhail Pogosyan, Sukhoi Chief Executive, said.
The new plane will start flying later this year, but even now Russian and international companies are expressing their interest in it. We now have as many as 73 solid orders and 39 options,
According to Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Sergey Ivanov, the airliner has already attracted great interest at home and abroad.
“The new plane will start flying later this year, but even now Russian and international companies are expressing their interest in it. We now have as many as 73 solid orders and 39 options,” Mr Ivanov stated.
Earlier, Vladimir Pirozhkov, who designed the Superjet's livery, said the idea behind the airliner’s artwork was the Russian flag: “I think it’s quite cool and very optimistic and very symbolic”.
Some analysts say a lot of work needs to be done on the plane before it can be delivered.
“The roll-out and the first flight of the aircraft, which is expected by the end of this year, are significant but not key milestones. We should expect that the manufacturers fulfil the contracts that they've signed with customers on time, so that the airlines will be satisfied with the aircraft. Only then will we be confident that the programme has been successful and the money invested has been well spent,” said Oleg Panteleev, Aviaport e-magazine's Editor.
