Russian Civil Aviation: News

India's Aviotech set to launch corporate Superjet

Indian corporate and defence aerospace specialist Aviotech is poised to become a launch customer for the business aircraft version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100.

Sukhoi detailed plans for a corporate variant of the twinjet - to be known as the Sukhoi Business Jet (SBJ) - during the Paris air show, and Hyderabad-based Aviotech signed a letter of intent for up to 20 of the type, of which 10 would be firm, at the MAKS air show in Moscow.

Aviotech has a corporate jet services division and is conducting studies on the range of products which it could place on the SBJ, having determined that there is a market for high-level charters with services beyond those normally offered on executive jets.

Sukhoi would deliver the aircraft as green airframes, and they would be completed by Aviotech at a new centre in Hyderabad.

"Each aircraft will be tailored to particular client requirements, but with the intention of dividing the aircraft into several unique zones," said a source familiar with the SBJ agreement.

These zones would include a social area with a bar, an entertainment and cinema area, dining and meeting facilities, a shower and a private state room with sleeping quarters.

"The seating will be better than offered by any airline in first class, with internet and live television facilities, video-on-demand and the very latest in ambient mood lighting."

Sukhoi declared in June that the airframer would press ahead with the SBJ and give more details on the aircraft at the NBAA show in Las Vegas in October.

It envisioned a market for 80 SBJs over 20 years, and added that the baseline cost of the aircraft would be about $50 million.

Superjet International, which markets the Sukhoi aircraft, said it had been "impressed" by a "high number of requests" from VIP customers.

Negotiations have started with cabin equipment suppliers to handle the Aviotech interior, while cabin crew will be trained in Delhi.

Aviotech said it chose the SBJ for its "excellent economic advantages" and "advanced technological features".

Any information about the Berkut VL light helo?

It was displayed at MAKS2011 and I have seen photos but have not read much info about it apart from the fact that it is a light helo in the Robinson R-22 class but half the price and is a coaxial design with two twin bladed main rotors and an engine with about 145hp.

here are some news articles:

A Russian start-up helicopter manufacturer has produced a two-seat co-axial helicopter, aiming to break into the light helicopter market currently dominated by the Robinson R-22 and R-44.

Tolyatti-based Berkut claimed the machine, also called the Berkut, will have an operating cost of just $50/h using standard 95-grade gasoline, with fuel consumption of 19.5 litres/100km.

Berkut hopes to gain the Russian single-example experimental type (EAVS) certificate around October, and then commence flight testing.

The aircraft will be marketed with a price tag of about $70,000, with a Russian 147hp (110kW) VAZ rotary engine, or around $130,000 with a 150hp Lycoming piston powerplant.

The machine has a composite construction and co-axial rotors, - also manufactured from composite and produced by Berkut.

It promises an empty weight of 480kg and a maximum take-off weight of 785kg.

The cockpit features full dual controls with collectives on the left of each seat, and conventional instruments.

A four- or five-seat Berkut-M variant with a larger 250-260hp Lycoming engine is planned to follow in December.

Berkut hopes to build up to ten to 15 aircraft a month.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/22/361087/maks-berkut-targets-light-helicopter-market.html

At $70K that is quite affordable for most people.

Similar info and a photo here:

http://en.rian.ru/business/20110809/165640759.html

GarryB wrote:At $70K that is quite affordable for most people.

Not certainly for me Garry , its a big amount that I cant afford

should do a lot good for Russian Civil Aviation and Aviation infrastructure

Dmitry Medvedev has proposed investing $172,98 billion in the aircraft industry by 2020

Dmitry Medvedev has not been satisfied with the quality of new Russian aircraft. The president proposes investing $172,98 billion (5 trillion rubles) in the aircraft industry from the federal budget by 2020, the Russian newspaper reports.
The president has held an extended meeting of Security Council dedicated to the problems of Russian aircraft industry development. One of the reasons for this discussion was president’s own experience, which has managed to try the advantages of new Russian aircraft. "Even our new aircraft, produced by Russian enterprises, have certain problems, I know it from my own experience", - said Medvedev.

The criticism related to new Tu-214, which has transported president several times. And during president’s flight problems with landing gear unit have arisen.

There is a standstill in the area of civil aircraft. Only 7 civil aircraft have been manufactured in 2010. "It is a very sad number", - Medvedev noted. The situation on the ground is even worth – the existing aviation infrastructure does not meet the modern requirements and needs reconstruction.

- It is planned to allocate more than $172,98 billion (5 trillion rubles) from the federal budget during the period until 2020 in order to improve the situation, - the president stated. – In fact, it is ten times greater than in the previous decade.

The main financing will be carried out in the network of State program in the area of arms and six federal target programs. At that, every ruble must be used with maximum efficiency, the president underlined.

The main objective is connected with modernization of civil airports. The budget will allocate $16,26 billion (470 billion rubles) for these purposes in the midterm. "The new objects will be built and the existing ones will be reconstructed this year on 38 aviation facilities", - the president instructed. Among these are: airports of Moscow, Sochi, Vladivostok, Kazan and Kurils. More than 60 additional objects of ground aviation infrastructure will be modernized by 2015.

Following the results of Security Council’s meeting, the decision to issue a document called “The basics of state policy in the area of aircraft industry” has been taken. The document will hold until 2020.

Austin wrote:Superjet at MAKS

yes superjet flew well i was there , high alfa-lowest possible airspeed pass, was very solid. why doesnt it have wingtip devices ,and i was surprised that they cant make more then 1 per month maximum ,thats very low ,why are they having sooo many problems with serial production.
I guess that was always true for most soviet civilian airbuses except tri-engined Tu-154 i guess ,but they made them over 30 yrs. And i dont understand why Tupolev-Ilushin-Yakovlev-Antonov- TIYA didnt pull together to make a good airbus, Sukhoi will have allot of problems for mass production so i think it was mostly politics.

Rpg type 7v wrote:yes superjet flew well i was there , high alfa-lowest possible airspeed pass, was very solid. why doesnt it have wingtip devices ,and i was surprised that they cant make more then 1 per month maximum ,thats very low ,why are they having sooo many problems with serial production.
I guess that was always true for most soviet civilian airbuses except tri-engined Tu-154 i guess ,but they made them over 30 yrs. And i dont understand why Tupolev-Ilushin-Yakovlev-Antonov- TIYA didnt pull together to make a good airbus, Sukhoi will have allot of problems for mass production so i think it was mostly politics.

Yes it must have been good to see it fly , I certainly would like to see it fly , It flew at AeroIndia on the second day but I couldnt make it to second day for health reason to see it fly.

The wing tip device question is interesting , certainly I dont see on SSJ and I dont even see it on the modern MS-21 design shown ,but ultra modern Dreamliner and A-350 has it and so does Tu-204SM , so thats a mystery . I understand wing tip device is there to reduce drag generated by wing tip vortices. I will try to find out on that.

I agree with the low production rate of Soviet civil aviation that has been the Achilles Heels of Russian civil aviation , yes sukhoi production rate is low right now but there is plan to increase it , Check this latest interview

http://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2011/08/17/220180.html

We recognize that this year we had a problem with delays in the supply of engines. But now it is solved. Next year, we have to make 25 aircraft in 2013 - go to the production of 50 aircraft per year. To achieve these goals, we must improve, including the supply chain. In addition, the shareholders and SJI GSS should decide to invest in expanding production. This decision will be taken before the end of the year.

Not certainly for me Garry , its a big amount that I cant afford

I am not really in a position to buy one right now either, but it is quite comparable to the price of a brand new car. Compared to some light aircraft that are worth more than a couple of times more than a house.

If you were an enthusiast you could afford one in a few years.

I understand wing tip device is there to reduce drag generated by wing tip vortices. I will try to find out on that.

Winglets are like wing fences. Look at some early fighter aircraft and they have vertical fins on the top of the wing to make the air flow straight over them and not sideways out to the wing tip. The reason being that air flowing straight over the wing generates lift and the air flowing sideways to the tip generates drag.

A well designed wing of the right shape and proportion doesn't need a wing fence.

I suspect the makers of wings with winglets had some contraints in their design that made winglets a useful solution.

On Superject winglet It was answered by TsAGI 2nd research department deputy chief Sergei Skomorokhov a while back. ( via mp.net )

Q: Long-haul and sometimes regional aircraft often have aerodynamic winglets. Why aren't they installed on Superject 100?

A: The answer is fairly simple. Effectivness of a vertical wing edge of a given length is less than that of a horizontal. So, if you are able to stretch the wing to its full span, you should do it to its full span. It is another case if there are limits on wing span. For example, Airbus A380 has a limit of 80 meters which is governed by the airfield maneuvering capabilities. There you have to install winglets in order to achive maximum effective wing span given existing limitations. And Superjet 100 has no such limitations.

Q: Is it possible for winglets to appear later?

A: The issue is ambiguous because it involves not only aerodynamics, but also structural load, measuring moment of deflection, weight and other parameters. In any case, it is better to design everything from the beginning and not "add-on" winglets to an existing wing. Then they would work with maximum effectiveness.

Q: Does that mean that they can appear on a 130-seat version of the aircraft?

A: I cannot say anything here, this is a question to the designers. But I think that the Superjet 100 is a good platform for development.

Here is a Photo of the Berkut:



Source: http://www.missiles.ru/HeliRussia-2011_foto.htm

Looks like a neat little machine.

Story of Topolev

Superjet trying to make a dent in Embraer own backyard.

ALTA: Superjet steps up battle with Embraer in Latin America

The international marketing arm for Russia's Sukhoi Superjet expects sales to Latin American carriers will account for 10% of the total market for the 100 seater over the next 20 years.

Superjet International's (SJI) chief executive Carlo Logli is confident will secure more Latin American business over the six months to add to existing local customer, Mexico's Interjet, as it goes head to head with the region's incumbent small jet supplier Embraer.

"We want to star in the kingdom of our main competitor Embraer - it is the benchmark," said Logli. "We have been discussing for a while with a few companies in the region, and we may have another customer in the next six months.

"My challenge is that Embraer is well known and has very good market share, and I am a newcomer with few customers and a few aircraft flying."

He added that he prefers to "remain vague" about the specifics of potential new Latin American customers because "my competitor is very, very aggressive, sometimes it is even in bad faith".

Venice, Italy, -based SJI is joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi, with the Italian partner holding the majority stake (51%). It is responsible for selling the Superjet 100 to Western markets and undertakes delivery, customisation training and support functions for these international customers. It is also tasked with developing VIP and cargo versions of the aircraft.

The Superjet entered service earlier this year with Armenian carrier Armavia and Aeroflot. Four aircraft are in operation and two more are due to be handed over before year end. Superjet production will ramp up in 2012 when 28 aircraft are due to be delivered, including the first of 15 to Interjet.

The Mexican airline is due to be the first SJI customer to introduce the twinjet at the end of the summer of 2012. It will be the first to receive the Superjet 100LR long-range variant which it will configure in a single-class layout with 93 seats at 34in pitch.

Logli says that that SJI forecasts a market for 1,000 Superjets over the next 20 years, and expects Latin American carriers to take 100 of these. The Superjet's main competitor is the similarly sized E-190 variant of the Embraer E-Jet family, which is of course produced locally in Brazil. Logli says that the Russian jet has an 8% trip cost advantage over its rival thanks to its superior aerodynamics and more advanced engines - the PowerJet SaM146.

"Our aircraft has a smaller, lighter wing than the Embraer. The Superjet's wing area is 10m2 less than the E-190 but offers the same lift thanks to its very advanced aerodynamic configuration." SJI quotes a catalogue price for the Superjet of $31 million, which significantly undercuts that of the E-190 which is understood to be in excess of $40 million.

Interjet is the Superjet's only airline customer in the Americas signed so far. As SJI looks to bolster its penetration in North, Central and South America it is finalising plans for a support network in the region. "We have support centres in Venice and Moscow and spares warehouses in Frankfurt and Moscow. With the arrival of Interjet next year we'll open a spare-parts centre the USA, probably in Fort Lauderdale," said Logli. "We also intend for Interjet to offer MRO services throughout the region."

Although a Superjet development aircraft completed a one-month hot and high flight-test campaign at Toluca, Mexico, earlier this year, the twinjet has not yet been formally demonstrated in the region. "So far we've been concentrating on delivering the Superjet. We envisage that proper demonstration flights will start next year," said Logli.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft performs the first automatic landing Cat IIIA

November 23, 2011, Moscow — On November 21, 2011 the Sukhoi Superjet 100 flight prototype MSN95004 aircraft successfully performed first two automatic landings Cat IIIA with different configurations of the wing high-lift system on the airfield in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region. The aircraft was handled by the SCAC flight crew consisted of the Chief pilot Alexander Yablontsev and test pilot Vadim Shirokikh.

These flights marked the beginning of the new series of the development and certification tests for expanding operational conditions of the aircraft aiming to get Supplement to the SSJ100 Type Certificate in terms of the automatic landings Cat IIIA. This supplement will allow to perform automatic landings in the low visibility weather conditions (pilots may not apply controls) up to the moment when the aircraft starts to run along the runway.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) is a 100 seat regional jet designed, developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), in partnership with Alenia Aeronautica. On May 19th 2008 SSJ100 successfully accomplished its first flight. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 cruises at a Maximum Operating Speed of Mach 0.81 and 40,000 feet. It takes off from a 1,731 meters runway in the basic range and 2,052 meters in the long range. The operating range for the basic version is 3,048 km and 4,578 km for the long range version. In February 2011, the SSJ100 obtained the Type Certificate by the Russian Certification Authority IAC AR. The EASA certification is expected to follow in 2011. On April 19th 2011 first production SSJ100 was delivered to Armavia airlines (Armenia). There are currently four SSJ100s in service with Armavia and Aeroflot.

On the advantages, as well as prospects for new contracts VIEW newspaper said the vice-president of the corporation "Irkut" Cyril Buda.

VIEW: In November, the MS-21 airliner was presented at the Paris Air Show in Dubai. Was expressed interest in Russian aircraft from Western companies?

CB: Yes, there was interest. I can only say that this airline in the Middle East.

VIEW: When do you expect to sign contracts?

CB: I can tell you that in the near future is expected. Since any contracting work takes up to two years. But the invitation to the presentation of individual aircraft we have received.

VIEW: What are the advantages of MS-21 and Boeing before production Airbus?

CB: The thing is that the MC-21 aircraft can receive a year of 4-5 million dollars of additional revenue. This is a major advantage. Moreover, our aircraft provide greater comfort for passengers through a wider fuselage and interior layouts. On airplanes competitors can not do this because the concept of liners have been developed over 20 years ago. Local improvements and partial modifications can not achieve what can be done on a new plane.

VIEW: You talked about the benefits of the company at a rate of 4-5 million dollars, due to which it is obtained?

CB: At the expense of fuel economy, aerodynamics, weight and time of accelerated maintenance and service at the airport.

VIEW: When compared with the current generation of aircraft, how much fuel will save the MS-21?

CB: At 23-24% more.

LOOK: It is expected that the technical level of the MS-21 will exceed the existing aircraft, as many of its components are made of carbon fiber for the first time. Similar techniques were used earlier in the domestic aviation industry?

CB: No, not used. Moreover, there are some technologies that Western manufacturers are not working. For example, for carbon fiber material will be used, made specially for us, because it does not exist on any of the aircraft.

VIEW: What will carbon fiber?

CB: This will reduce weight and extend the wing, which gives an advantage in improving the aerodynamics.

VIEW: Who will do the after-sales service MS-21? Will it created its own MRO base?

CB: No aircraft manufacturer does not hold its own plant for maintenance, it is a completely separate business. In the world of a sufficient number of providers who offer their services for maintenance. We expect to attract the leading players in this market. Sales geography determine who, exactly, will carry out maintenance and repair.

In each region, we have scheduled a short list of companies with whom we talk to if there will sell. Our main concept is to provide the buyer once the company for maintenance, which has now been working there for maintenance of Boeing and Airbus.

VIEW: Stated value of 69 million dollars for the MS-21-200, and $ 78 million for the MC-21-300. Price competitive in comparison with Boeing and Airbus?

CB: That's catalog price. A catalog price at the Airbus 321 - the order of 93-95 million dollars. It is worth noting that the price of aviation aircraft - this is a secondary criterion, because the total cost airlines, it takes only 10%, 90% - it's operating expenses, which in MS-21 a significant advantage. So the cost of the aircraft - this is a secondary indicator.

VIEW: A technical characteristics of MS-21 is better than Boeing and Airbus?

CB: Expect. I would even say: We are planning that MS-21 is better than Boeing and Airbus.

LOOK: Will it be costly to after-sales service?

CB: We expect that it will be more expensive than our competitors.

LOOK: It is expected that the first deliveries will begin in 2016. Will the time come to market?

CB: The thing is that timely access to market is a very strong competitive advantage for the MC-21, as currently sold, for example, Airbus Neo in 2018. Therefore propose an earlier date of delivery aircraft, which will be better on the flight characteristics - is one of the main benefits.

VIEW: What is the likelihood that the aircraft will be shown at MAKS in 2015?

CB: It is more likely.

So Iran On and Off game continues.

Iran to Buy New Airliners from Russia

"Negotiations are underway for the purchase of planes from Russia," Nikzad said, adding that new Russian airplanes will join the country's air fleet if their compatibility with Iran's geographical and weather conditions are confirmed by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO).

If the planes have all the mentioned features and specifications and are sold at a suitable price, and "if we reach a final agreement (with the Russians), we will buy a number of them".

The minister did not provide any further detail and did not say if Tehran has entered talks with any specific Russian company, but he said a new type of small, narrow-body Tupolev and Sukhoi passenger planes are desirable for Iran's domestic flights.

About 7-9 potential customers are interested in the Tu-204SM

Manama. On January 20. 7-9 potential customers expressed interest in the Tu-204SM, with them being pre-contract work.The preliminary order book of 140 aircraft, said, "Aviaport" Marketing Director of JSC "Tupolev" Andrei Tupolev.

Of particular interest to the Tu-204SM showed "daughter" RSC "Energia", has filed a preliminary application for 3-5 aircraft and the airline "Bashkortostan". In addition, interest in the aircraft showed the airline Red Wings, and "daughters" of "Aeroflot". According to the Red Wings owner Alexander Lebedev, the company intends to acquire 10-15 aircraft.

Starting order of 10-15 aircraft is sufficient for state funding of the project, stressed the Tupolev.

Good Update on MS-21 and PD-14 program in latest issue of take off magazine

http://en.take-off.ru/arhiv/637

Thanks Austin.

I read something interesting the other day, apparently because of supplier shortages, Aeroflot received simplified Superjets from Sukhoi. In the upcoming years they will get new birds to the standard they wanted. Is this true? What could the birds actually be missing, that Aeroflot wants so bad, and that couldn't be simply added on? What will happen to the current Aeroflot birds, seems like a burden to Sukhoi.

I think they are talking about Superjet NG or SSJ-130 , a 130 seater of Superjet ...I would bet Aeroflot will be its initial customer.

I am not sure what simplified superjet means ....... these aircraft are certified and SSJ has been through stringent EASA certification and what ever they deliver will be according to the certified standards.......they cant deliver one standard to some one and something else to other .... ofcourse they can do stuff like more range ,less passenger but nothing like simplified Superjet or hi-tech superjet ......technologically they will be identical to certified standards.

Производитель Superjet в 2012 году обещает поменять поставленные ранее самолеты

«Аэрофлот», который должен стать крупнейшим эксплуатантом новых российских самолетов Superjet, в этом году получит новые лайнеры взамен уже поставленных ранее четырех машин. Дело в том, что производитель не сумел вовремя доработать лайнер и только сейчас готов поставить авиаперевозчику самолеты в той комплектации, которую тот заказал.
Как рассказал в ходе авиасалона в Бахрейне вице-президент по работе с заказчиками компании «Гражданские самолеты Сухого» (ГСС) Игорь Сырцов, поставленные в 2011 году «Аэрофлоту» самолеты Superjet уже в этом году начнут заменяться на новые лайнеры, так как поставленные машины оснащены упрощенной версией салона. «Авиакомпания заказала другую компоновку самолета. К сожалению, наши поставщики не были готовы поставить все оборудование. В самолетах «Аэрофлота» будет увеличено количество кухонь и туалетов», — отметил г-н Сырцов. В уже летающих самолетах было установлено лишь два туалета, три кухни и не было индивидуального обдува пассажиров. Авиакомпания же ожидала версию с улучшенным салоном, тремя туалетами и четырьмя кухнями.
По словам Игоря Сырцова, некоторые отсутствующие опции составляют «техническое лицо» самолета. «Мы пошли на некий промежуточный вариант, на сегодня поставлено «Аэрофлоту» четыре самолета в упрощенной версии», — отметил г-н Сырцов. По его словам, возвращенные «Аэрофлотом» самолеты будут выставлены на вторичную продажу и сейчас «прорабатываются различные варианты «технического лица», в котором они будут поставляться новым заказчикам». По его словам, возможно, это будет бизнес-версия данного самолета.
Согласно материалам ГСС, Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ-100/95B) по сравнению с заявленными данными потяжелел на 3 т, это привело к увеличению потребления топлива примерно на 10%. Максимальная взлетная масса самолета (MTOW) SSJ-100/95B выросла до 45,88 т. Такие данные привели к появлению новой конфигурации самолета на начальном этапе поставок — SSJ-100/95B Aeroflot-Light. Согласно одному из документов ГСС, максимальный вес этой модели без топлива — 40 т, пустой неснаряженный самолет весит 28,094 т.
«Аэрофлоту» будут поставляться самолеты новой модификации. В новой конфигурации машину хочет заказать и армянская авиакомпания Armavia (стартовый заказчик Superjet), которая, как уверяет источник РБК daily, на протяжении нескольких месяцев затягивает сроки приемки второго самолета. Однако г-н Сырцов утверждает: «Руководство авиакомпании Armavia само попросило передвинуть сроки поставки лайнера на апрель 2012 года, к началу высокого сезона».
Официальный представитель «Аэрофлота» отказался от комментариев.
Superjet летит к покупателям
Авиакомпания Bahrain Air рассматривает возможность приобретения от трех до пяти самолетов Sukhoi Superjet, сообщил исполнительный директор авиакомпании Bahrain Air Ричард Нутталл. Одновременно авиакомпания рассматривает и альтернативные варианты, в частности возможность покупки лайнеров Bombardier. По данным ГСС, всего в 2012 году будет поставлено свыше 20 SSJ. Десять самолетов получит «Аэрофлот», три машины будут поставлены в Лаос. Кроме того, планируется поставить самолеты в Индонезию, а также авиакомпаниям «Якутия» и Armavia.
Читать полностью: http://www.rbcdaily.ru/2012/01/20/industry/562949982568473

Here it is. Apparently this was discussed at the Bahrain Air Show, and is legit. The 4 earliest aircraft will be replaced, since Aeroflot did not get the cabin configuration (and kitchen and toilet layout) it wanted due to supplier problems. The 4 aircraft will be put up for sale most likely, perhaps in business jet configuration. Could be a real steal for some company that wanted Superjets, brand new aircraft basically at reduced pricetag.

Those are internal layout and can be changed its not a big deal not sure why Aeroflot is making big noise on that.

You'd think so, but apparently it warrants new airframes. Aeroflot has been pretty open mouthed about its displeasure with delays in the Superjet in the previous years, I guess Sukhoi is putting a lot on a positive experience with its first major customer, and accepted Aeroflot's bitching.

Some update on Superjet from latest AW&ST pg 41-42

http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416208077&e=true

interview with "Aviasojuz" Chief Marketing Center JSC "Tupolev" Andrei Tupolev, the grandson of the great designer.
Tupolev: "We will grow!" :---> http://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2011/12/31/227448.html


Interview with "Aviasojuz" said President-General Designer Enterprise "Antonov" Dmitry S. Kiva.
The main task - building production aircraft "AN" ---> http://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2011/12/31/227447.html

This is one big milestone for Superjet and Russian Civil Aviation , SSJ 100 becomes the first Russian aircraft to gain EASA certification

Sukhoi Superjet 100 Gets EASA Certification

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft has received the Type Certificate for its Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) regional passenger aircraft from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the company’s press service said on Friday.

EASA experts started inspecting Sukhoi Superjet 100 at Blagnac airport in Toulouse as a part of validation of IAC AR Type Certificate procedure in late June 2011.

EASA pilots participated in 45 test flights on the aircraft.

“EASA certification is a top priority milestone for the entire SSJ100 program and partners... I’m sure that the European certification will boost orders for the SSJ100 in the international markets,” JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft First Vice-President for design and certification Igor Vinogradov said back in 2011 when the flight tests began.

I have already flown twice with Armavia's Sukhoi SSJ-100. Nice plane, it is now just a year old.