Russian Civil Aviation: News #2

One of the problems of the domestic civil aviation was considered to be lagging behind the leading powers in the creation of efficient engines. The reason why the engine becomes "weak link", was systematic: many years of consecutive work on a new generation of engines started with a delay of the development of its own aircraft, which led to the introduction of phasing in the implementation of projects. As a result, forward-looking planes and helicopters were prepared as serial transition existing engines that do not achieve the stated performance, to realize the full potential of the aircraft, reducing their competitiveness and commercial attractiveness.

"United Engine Building Corporation" faced with this problem in the implementation of the project PD-14 engine for the future of the main MS-21 aircraft. The situation demanded a review of approaches to the development of new products. Now the emphasis is on the creation of basic gas generators that receive the most advanced technical and technological solutions. In the future, based on the needs and samolёto- vertolёtostroiteley on their platform will be created with the necessary engine parameters. This approach, according to the head of the JDC would not only harmonize the timing of development of aircraft engines and aircraft, but also to ensure the achievement of the planned features in full, as well as enhance the competitiveness of the products and will generally reduce technical risks in projects.

During the meeting, board Air A.Artyuhov spoke in detail about the ongoing projects and future developments. First of all, he recalled the SaM146 engine, certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Aircraft engine fully complies with all rules and regulations that govern the safe operation, including corrosivity environment and sea-based. According to the UEC, the corporation is now the task of increasing the level of localization of production in Russia SaM146. It is planned that the work will be carried out in two stages. "The first stage is planned to increase the degree of localization to 55% on the second stage -. 80%," - said A.Artyuhov. He also noted that in addition to the current use on the Sukhoi Superjet 100, the installation of SaM146 is possible and the Be-200.

Also A.Artyuhov informed about the current state of the project development turboprop TV7-117SM / PT. He stressed that this is a key part of the program in the task of building a domestic aircraft IL -114-300 for local airlines, which is scheduled to start in the series in 2020. To date, preliminary testing of the prototype engine. "As a result we can conclude that both technically and technologically implement the project within the given timeframe," - he said. In addition, he noted that the development of "complexed" with the program on military aircraft engines for the Il-112V, as well as the creation of the engine program TV7-117V for the Mi-38, which has already been certified.

A key project, which today sells APC - creation engine PD-14 to MS-21 medium-range aircraft. The head of the JDC noted that during the implementation of this program introduced 16 basic critical technologies, which allowed to reach the current level of engine parameters. "At present the production of experimental engines already manufactured 12 The complex of development tests, including simulated real operating conditions are confirmed stated technical characteristics of the engine.." - Shared A.Artyuhov. As part of the same project also creates a nacelle. The head of the corporation noted that previously it to develop, as a rule, remain within the competence of the aircraft developers. According A.Artyuhova created gasifier PD-14 - base. On its basis in minimum time and with minimum risk can be developed aircraft engines for different purposes: for helicopter and aircraft for civil and military applications.

Another priority for the Russian engine - the creation of high-thrust engine of 35-40 tons to be mounted on the modern long-haul wide-body aircraft. "Currently, in the framework of research and development under this program creates the necessary groundwork, developed eight key core technologies, the infrastructure, - told A.Artyuhov - The project will significantly enhance the ability of domestic developers planes to form shape of aircraft for various purposes:. Passenger transport and military transport. "

As part of the creation of engines for helicopters JDC today implements VC-2500PS program based on the VS-2500. As a result of the modernization of increased performance and reliability of the base engine. "The engine is implemented anti-surge protection system that provides reliable engine performance in heavy and transient conditions, the assigned resource increased by 30%", - said A.Artyuhov, recalling that in 2016 the motor type certificates obtained. VC-2500PS is ready for serial production in Russia and supplies. Today, APC continues to implement the program, increasing volumes of mass production of helicopter engines.

In addition, within the framework of works on creation of helicopter engines there is a program for the development of a promising helicopter engine (MPE) with characteristics to reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared with the serial engine, greatly reduce the weight of the product, as well as increase its reliability and service life. According to the UEC, the engine is created using the latest composite materials, advanced technical solutions and technologies.

Concluding his speech, A.Artyuhov noted that the successful completion of all new projects will contribute to meeting the competitiveness and attractiveness of commercial aircrafts with domestic engines. Currently, UEC has sufficient scientific and technical, production, human resources to create a domestic advanced aircraft engines. He again stressed that the main engine through the development has been the creation of gas turbine engines based on the basic gas generators. In the medium term will be the base gas generators and engines PD-14 and TV7-117. In the long term it will be added to the DD-35 and LDPE.

Austin wrote:Tu-204SM is an Epitome of Tu-204/214 family and it has lot of features comparable to its Western peers in its class.

Please read this excellent interview on Tu-204SM

What is Tu-204SM?

http://www.ruaviation.com/docs/2/2014/4/21/81/


Tu-204SM Specs  http://www.tupolev.ru/en/civil_aviation/tu-204sm

The new light multipurpose helicopter is performed using a coaxial rotor

MOSCOW, March 15. / TASS /. Holding "Helicopters of Russia" (included in Rostec) is developing a new light helicopter weighing up to two tons, the production of which is scheduled for 2020-2021 years. This was reported in the press service of the holding.

"Specialists of the holding" Russian Helicopters "are working hard to create a single-engine light multipurpose helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of up to two tons Launch of serial production of these machines is planned for the 2020-2021 years.", - Said in a statement.

The new light multipurpose helicopter is made using coaxial rotors. Maximum take-off weight of the car will be 1600 kg, range - 760 km. The helicopter can carry up to five people or 730 kg payload. The cruising speed of the machine will be 230 km / h, service ceiling - 6100 m.

Currently holding the engineers started to work on the technical project. It is expected that this year will have to apply for a certificate type.

Thanks to modern complex flight and navigation and avionics, as well as maneuverability and ease of management of the new helicopter has good prospects in the corporate transport segments, the monitoring of the fuel and energy complex and the initial piloting of training. A key advantage of the product is the transport performance and range - the best in its class, noted in the holding.


Access to global markets

"Helicopters of Russia" want to enter the US and European markets with a new light helicopter.

"For holding" Russian Helicopters "is a new segment of the market, so we are faced with several problems. First, create a product attractive for commercial customers as well as for personal use. Secondly, to enter new markets for us in including Europe and the US, through the certification of helicopters in these countries ", - the press service quoted the general director of the holding Andrei Boginsky.

According to him, light multipurpose helicopters - is the mass segment of the global civil helicopter market, related to general aviation.

Holding "Helicopters of Russia" along with other Russian enterprises of the defense industry in December 2015 was included in the sanctions list, which is published by the American Ministry of Finance.

MOSCOW, March 15 - RIA Novosti. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) by 2019 is to create the IL-114 on a ski landing gear for the Arctic, he said on Wednesday Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

"In the United Aircraft Corporation has the task of creating, by 2019, the aircraft, which is to replace the entire line design bureau Antonov to work in the Arctic. This IL-114, which will be produced, including, and ski landing gear," - said Rogozin on air "Russia 24" TV channel.

Rmf wrote:interesting they are working on il-214 with pd-14 engine, and superheavy il-106.

PapaDragon wrote:Also, I asked this before, but what are the odds of VKS using IL-96 as AWACS and tanker platform? It would free up a lot of newly built IL-76.

The government's 2017-2018 dokapitaliziruet State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) to 14 billion rubles. for the production and purchase of two long-haul aircraft IL-96-400M, and then transfer them to the leasing and rental of Russian airlines, to the draft government decree posted on the portal of the draft regulations.

In 2017 it is planned to spend 4 billion rubles, in 2018 -. 10 billion rubles. Issued shares in the amount of 400 ths., And 1 million pieces, respectively at face value to buy back the Ministry of Transport.

For these purposes will be allocated funds from dividend on shares "Rosneftegas". "In the case and within the revenue of the federal budget revenues from dividends on shares of JSC" Rosneftegas "(with the exception of those related to the implementation of a package of shares owned by JSC" Rosneftegas "in excess of 136 055 000 000 rubles.)", - Stated in the draft resolution.

IL-96-400M created as a modification of passenger aircraft IL-96-300 aircraft in a typical modification would be in a two-class layout - 24 seats in Business Class and 326 seats in economy class. Take-off weight to 270 tons, and the maximum range - 8.9 thousand. Km. Potential use of the aircraft region in a document called the Far East, a possible basic version - the use of IL-96-400M on tourist routes, including in Southeast Asia.

"Low fuel efficiency", because of which the plane is losing foreign counterparts, will be offset by "preferential rent rate" - it "would compensate for operating inefficiencies and suggest potential aircraft operators with a competitive economic model," the document says.

In February 2017, "Kommersant" wrote that the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economic Development, and the Federal Air Transport Agency of the Russian United Aircraft Corporation selected the lessor for lease six Il-96-400M at more than 40 billion rubles. The main challenger was called "Ilyushin Finance Co" (IFC), and the potential operator - the structure of IFC Red Wings.

PapaDragon wrote:

Rmf wrote:interesting they are working on il-214 with pd-14 engine, and superheavy il-106.

Il-214 was was supposed to have PD-14 version from the get go. It's pretty much designed around it from VKS standpoint.

In fact one of the reasons for India stepping out of the project is because they insisted on other engine model for some reason (which makes zero sense because this is strictly military platform and PD-14 looks to be very good product anyway)


Also, I asked this before, but what are the odds of VKS using IL-96 as AWACS and tanker platform? It would free up a lot of newly built IL-76.

Dear colleagues! In the development and manufacture of helicopters holding company "Russian Helicopters", it uses as its own scientific and technical potential, and also the achievements of Russian science and technology organizations. Improving the range of development carried out in two areas: modernization of existing machines and the creation of a new generation of helicopters. The major criteria for deciding whether a customer-oriented and multi-purpose nature of the art being created. It caters not only to the needs of customers, but also to strengthen the position of the Russian helicopter industry, as well as the domestic and global markets.



Currently, the most widespread in the domestic market are middle-class helicopters. Certified and started the production of multi-purpose helicopter Mi-171A2, which will replace the Mi-8, Mi-17. At the helicopter made more than 20 major design changes. Helicopter has a powerful economic engine Russian production "Klimov", a new rotor with composite blades improved aerodynamics and a so-called glass cockpit.



In the development of a set of measures has been provided, which allowed to reduce labor costs for maintenance, optimize the cost of flight hours and implement the concept of reducing costs for our operators. The helicopter used for transport and passenger transport in the interests of a wide range of operators, including transportation of the watch, loads on offshore rigs in the interests of fuel and energy complex. In 2017, it will be produced and delivered to customers 4 helicopters.



Work continues on the implementation of the program of promotion of the new Mi-38. Thanks to the technical solutions used the helicopter is superior to other helicopters in its class in payload, passenger capacity, the basic flight characteristics. The helicopter is certified, the first delivery of the passenger modification of the helicopter is planned in 2018. The helicopter can be used in a wide range of climatic conditions, including marine, tropical, cool climate, including in the Arctic.

Currently, the holding company specialists are working to further expand the performance, increased payload, enhance operational capabilities in the high altitude and extreme temperatures.



The class of light helicopters manufactured by the holding company, represented by models "ANSAT" and Ka-226. Light multipurpose helicopter "ANSAT" certified in a variety of applications - passenger, health, universal. We assume that it will replace the Mi-2 on the whole range of tasks, ensure a high level of safety and enhanced transport capabilities.

In 2016 the first Russian cars to commercial customers, export contracts have been delivered. The machine has a spacious cargo cabin, which is being converted to different variants of the target application. "ANSAT" can be used to solve a wide range of tasks. Currently, this is the most sought-after helicopter to meet the challenges of air ambulance, it can also be used for cargo delivery, passenger and initial training.



Light multipurpose helicopter Ka-226T is built on a modular pattern and is available in a variety of targeted modifications, apply to a wide range of tasks in the interests of civil air operations. Ka-226T has increased altitude performance. Today, among other things, we are actively pursuing the Russian-Indian project for the joint production of helicopters.



Separately, the direction of the national economy problems - a helicopter for operation in harsh climatic conditions and helicopters for Arctic conditions. In addition to helicopters, which are now produced and are planning to start in the near future, the holding is already supplying modern equipment, which is adapted for use in regions with poorly developed transport networks, in the far north, in the Arctic. In 2016, 4 of the helicopter for the company "Rosneft" were delivered. The Mi-38 will create new transport capacity for government and commercial customers.



Promising average commercial helicopter. On the basis of scientific and technical reserve formed in previous years, including in the framework of long-term high-speed helicopter, which is implemented under the auspices of the Industry and Trade Ministry, is developing a promising medium commercial helicopter. Basic helicopter configuration provides the ability to create a wide range of civil helicopter modifications and special purpose. Features allow you to carry up to 22 passengers.



The helicopter of light class. Another direction of the holding company is to create a single-engine light multipurpose helicopter maximum takeoff weight of up to 2 tons. It is the mass segment of the global civil helicopter market, related to general aviation. For us, this new segment.

Here, we set ourselves the following objectives:

* create a product attractive for commercial customers as well as for personal use;
* to enter new markets for us;
* This helicopter has good prospects in the niche corporate transport, monitoring fuel and energy facilities, initial training.

A key advantage of the product is the transport performance and range, the best-in-class helicopters.



Today Dmitry O. and colleagues have already talked about the fact that the state attaches great importance to the aviation industry. In previous periods was GTLK capitalize not only on the job of aircraft, last year 3.8 billion rubles were made in GTLK capital to address the medical evacuation tasks. These funds are used for the construction of "ANSAT", Mi-8 and Mi-17. Today, together, our colleagues from GTLK, Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health are actively working with the regions. Today we see increased demand and would ask colleagues to support us in this and in the following periods.

Entering the market with the new civilian products always fraught with additional financial burden, as the manufacturer, and the operator. Success in sales depends largely on the development of the market of services and availability of financial instruments. As I said, the program is actively developing on medevakuatsiya, extending the vesting period for 2018 and subsequent years will allow us to increase the order book and the regions to raise the level of medical care, especially in critical situations and difficult terrain. Also, we consider it expedient to study the possibility of including helicopter services in the compulsory health insurance scheme (OMC), which would allow to offset the costs, including insurance companies and organizations in the medical evacuation. Solution of the problem to improve the transport accessibility could also help to subsidize passenger traffic, using helicopters in remote areas, the organization of regular routes in areas with underdeveloped land transport infrastructure and the development of ground infrastructure for use of helicopters.

Dear Dmitry O.! Dear members of the board, we were asked to give relevant instructions in the minutes of today's meeting, to include in the plan the discussion of these issues at the upcoming meeting of the Board. In general, I have everything. Accordingly, the main problem that we see today, are actively developing - is to increase accessibility for carriers of our aircraft. Of course, the new aircraft technology will be more expensive than the amortized equipment produced earlier. That's just solve this problem, it seems to us, it should be discussed in the next meeting of the Board. In order to harmonize the approaches, both for producers and for the operators.

Dear colleagues! Only with an integrated approach possible to the dynamic development of the Russian aircraft industry, providing current and future needs of the domestic market. Steps taken and decisions should be linked program development equipment manufacturers, operators, long-term plans, state support measures, the problem of infrastructure and regulatory support of our common progress.

In fact, we are talking about the formation of a favorable ecosystem aviation complex. Investments in the development of new aircraft should be linked to investment in the restoration of air mobility, the development of the airfield infrastructure, ensuring efficient operation of domestic appliances. In this context, we expect that the Aviation College will become a platform to ensure the effective and coordinated development of the whole aviation system.



Implementing the ambitious strategy of the KLA should increase to 45% the overall share of civilian products in the portfolio of the Corporation. That is almost half of the proceeds from airplanes money should come from the sale of civilian aircraft. Now this share does not exceed 20%. Achieving the objectives of the Strategy is impossible without the priority of ensuring Russia's domestic market in modern, comfortable and high-tech aircraft. Domestic airlines have been and remain the launch customer for all civil aircraft programs KLA.



In our assessment and evaluation of the major producers in the horizon of 20 years, the need for the Russian domestic market for passenger aircraft will be more than 1100 units with a capacity of 30 seats and above. The most popular segment will uzkofyuzelyazhnyesamolety a capacity of 120 seats, the assessment of demand - 710 aircraft. The expected increase in traffic - an average of 4.5% per year - will support the demand for aircraft in the 60-120 seat segment - about 200 aircraft and "shirokofyuzelyazhniki" of 230 seats and above - about 130 aircraft.

Given the current state of the fleet in the domestic market, according to our estimates, the new surge in demand for wide-bodied aircraft to occur in 7-10 years. In the segment of regional transport formed pent-up demand, coupled with the continued operation of aircraft An-24 family. But in the mid-20s, it will be taken out of service and in this niche is expected to demand about 100 aircraft.



To achieve these strategic objectives, based on the long-term forecast of market demand, with government support, we are actively working on the creation of new competitive models of civil engineering and the development of existing programs. The result of this work should be the formation of the line of modern civil products, present in all the most popular segments.

IL-114

in the regional transport segment in 2016 launched the Il-114-300 aircraft creation program, contracted to perform design work and preparation of production. This year's key objectives - development of design documentation for prototypes, choice of suppliers on equipment and systems, the application for certification.

The program involves the installation of new avionics, new dvigateleyTV7-117SM and later TV7-117ST (engine, unified with the transport plane Il-112), the functional expansion and new opportunities for exploitation from unprepared airfields.

We now are working with Russian airlines - potential customers, consider their requirements for the formation of the technical configuration of the aircraft. Our partner for the program is leasing company GTLK. This will allow us to offer airlines' efficient economy "operation of the aircraft. In the middle of 2017, we plan to sign an agreement with GTLK and since this year envisaged investments for additional capitalization of the company and the conclusion of agreements for the promotion of the aircraft.

SSJ100

In the segment of short-haul aircraft in service are of the order of 100 units SSJ100. Of these, 2/3 in Russia. 26 new SSJ100 was delivered in 2016 (including the export of 8 BC). Together with the "Aeroflot" We are working on a contract for the supply of 20 aircraft in 2017-2018, which is planned to be signed in the middle of this year.

SSJ100 - plane is absolutely competitive, and, as compared to trunk the A319, B737 on the vast majority of areas, and in comparison with a direct competitor - Embraer 190 (advantage seat-kilometers up to 6%, depending on the route). Operators say its good economic efficiency, comfort and high level of functionality.

The main objective of the program - the development of after-sales service. Today we focus on this. In particular, our key partner - the company "Aeroflot" have developed a program to improve the reliability of the park.

According to the program SSJ100 we are actively cooperating with domestic leasing companies. Together, we offer operators an effective financial packages to enable our aircraft to win for the economy in comparison with Western competitors. A significant advantage - the lease payments in rubles. All this was achieved thanks to the unprecedented support measures for recapitalization of the leasing company.



MS-21

in the most sought after sector of long haul is actively working on the program of a family of MC-21 narrow-body aircraft. The order book as of today - 175 aircraft.

Our task - to make the aircraft competitive in comparison with modern analogs. This applies to weight and fuel efficiency level of operating economy, the comfort of passengers and crew, advanced fire suppression system. As part of the TCO, we create a unified customer support center for the whole range of civil, based on global best practices, as well as experience gained under the SSJ100 program.

In the near future it will be the first flight of the MS-21 aircraft. A start of serial deliveries scheduled for 2019. Among the key objectives for 2017 - the conclusion of contracts with end operators, unfolding series production based on the latest technologies and active implementation of certification flight programs.

SHFDMS - wide-body long-haul aircraft

in the long term line of civil aircraft should be supplemented by a new generation of wide-body long-haul aircraft, the creation of which we have begun with our Chinese colleagues - COMAC Corporation. The project is expected to be realized in the new tehplatforme competitive in comparison with the modern families of the Boeing 787 and Airbus widebody aircraft companies.

Only Chinese airlines is forecast KLA-Komaki during 2023-2045 years will need 1,100 airplanes SHFDMS segment.

From the start of the program before the first flight plan about 7-8 years. The first aircraft will be delivered to the customer within 10-12 years after the start of the program. Formulated market strategy, defined technical appearance. It is based on research and aviaperezok airlines, forecast future demand and strategies of the competitive environment.

To ensure the competitiveness of aircraft equipment plays an important role. SHFDMS - just one project where we can try to work with our development partners to implement effective systems of co-operation scheme, to attract the best development of Russian companies, along with the world's best technologies. In this direction, we are actively working together with the State Corporation "Rostec".

IL-96

for the period of creation SHFDMS "transitional" product must be modernized Il-96-400M. For "large" domestic passenger plane has a certain niche in the Russian market. In addition, we need to develop the existing competence and download our production capacities. The rate of serial production plant in Voronezh is not high, but it will ensure the maintenance of competence and increase the number of aircraft in operation. By implementing the project, we have already started.



After-sales service

being created KLA uniform after-sales service system (PES) should be, on the one hand, an effective tool for sales support and formation of positive image of the company, on the other hand - a profitable activity. For us, the OPS - a key priority.

Given the experience of already existing programs, we are laying the foundation in advance after sales services on a single infrastructure for the new BAE civilian program, which has yet to enter the market.

The main activities on the formation of a unified system of PPO:
▪ a single point of customer support;
▪ creation of a partner network of service centers services, including authorized providers of MRO services, repair sun component organizations, warehouses of spare parts, authorized training centers;
▪ organization of a proactive approach to the planning of the need for spare parts on the basis of the operating data for the sun.

We are forming a network of service centers for maintenance, network suppliers of aircraft components repair. Ongoing formation of a network of warehouses of spare parts. In mid-2017 will begin commercial operation support system functionality in the warehouse logistics of the planning tasks in the replacement parts needs.



Active development of Russian civil aircraft coincided with the period of the weakening of tariff protection of the domestic aviation industry against the background of matching conditions for Russia's WTO accession. At the same time, in view of the general focus on the liberalization of regulatory regimes of foreign trade protection measures (technical barriers) tariff and non-tariff regulation led to the withdrawal of protection for developed and produced aircraft in Russia. This smytssle we look forward to the Aviation College, which would enable competent, without prejudice to the interests of the operators, the market and the economy as a whole, strike a balance between the interests of the domestic aviation industry and the needs of the aviation industry.

By those measures, which are now already in force, and they amount to about 50 billion rubles a year, to maintain the momentum of development of the domestic aviation industry in a difficult economic situation, it is advisable to provide for additional measures of state support, which should include:
- continuing to support Russian aircraft manufacturers as its stage creation, and at the stage of exit planes on the market, if necessary, to give additional incentives to operators discounts. That is offset initial losses associated with a large gap between the cost and selling aircraft.
- Support the development of domestic leasing companies in order to acquire Russian-made aircraft.
- Improving the provision of subsidies to airlines using Russian-made aircraft.

In addition, it is necessary as soon as possible to revise the pricing system for high-tech products supplied under the SDO, especially in terms of increasing profitability for manufacturers head.

We also propose to consider new proposals for the further improvement of federal legislation with regard to:
- the development of areas of licensing of certain activities.
- Providing incentives for property tax for the aviation industry.

In the area of international activities is necessary to continue work on the site of the Eurasian Economic Commission to ensure that customs-tariff and non-tariff protection of the domestic market of domestic aircraft. The complexity of solving this problem is due to the fact that Russia - the only member of the EAEC having aviation industry.

Finally, it would be useful to step up the economic state support export projects. This applies, in particular, the mechanisms of export credit and insurance, which are designed to ensure the effective interest rate on loans at a level corresponding to or exceeding the best global practices.

You also need to pay special attention to the issues of certification of civil aircraft in Russia. The transition took place. This task should be actively supported by the College, both internationally and within the country, and we are ready to take active part in it.

FARNBOROUGH—Sukhoi has begun development on a stretched version of the Superjet 100.

Marketing efforts have been relatively quiet, so far, but the design’s outlines have been clearly defined. The seating capacity will be increased by 20 to 120. “We do not want to go into the narrowbody [aircraft] market,” Nazario Cauceglia, CEO of SuperJet International, the Venice, Italy-based marketing arm for the aircraft, told Aviation Daily.

A new wing, with a higher aspect ratio, is needed. The winglets the company is developing (to cut the fuel burn of the SSJ100) would not suffice, according to Cauceglia. The range of the first stretched version will be set at 2,000 nm, between the ranges (1,500 nm and 2,400 nm) of the two existing variants of the SSJ100.

Weight would be close to 55 metric tons (121,000 lb.), a significant increase over the longer-range SSJ100’s 49 metric tons (108,000 lb.). Nevertheless, “We do not want to redesign the SSJ100 too much, as this would involve too-high costs,” Cauceglia said.

The SSJ100’s PowerJet SaM146 turbofan powerplant will not need any change, PowerJet CEO Marc Sorel said. A “throttle push” is believed to be enough, at nearly 18,000-lb. thrust. This is 2.5% more thrust than the basic version.

Neither Ireland’s CityJet nor Mexico’s Interjet, two customers who have agreed to help promote the SSJ100, are interested in the stretched version. Both carriers say they are interested in the 100-seat capacity only.

This leaves SuperJet International unfazed, as the marketing company focuses on the favorable feedback the airlines give on operating the SSJ100.

Interjet, which took delivery of its first SSJ100 in September 2013, has expressed great satisfaction. The aircraft’s technical-dispatch reliability stands at 99%, Interjet CEO Jose Luis Garza said. This is taking place in a hot and high environment: Mexico City’s airport has an elevation of 2,400 m (7,900 ft.), and the temperature can reach 25C (77F). An Interjet SSJ100 flies an average seven flights per day, for an average stage length of 1.5 hr.

The operator hit the 100,000-cycle milestone in May. PowerJet’s Sorel added the SaM146’s dispatch reliability has been measured at 99.9%, over the entire in-service fleet.

Interjet has received 21 SSJ100s. Garza praised the cabin, with its five-abreast layout, and its Italian design, which provides brightness.

“Many passengers can’t distinguish whether they are flying on a Superjet or an Airbus A320,” Garza asserted. The SSJ100 has even larger bins (per passenger) than the A320, he noted. The airline uses both types “in a complementary fashion, depending on demand,” Garza said. He deemed the SSJ100’s fly-by-wire control system “a bit more advanced” than the A320’s.

Despite the distance, support has been “very good,” Garza said. He pointed out the effort Sukhoi has made for on-time delivery of spare parts. At least seven aircraft have already undergone a C check at Interjet’s maintenance facilities in Mexico. Pilot training has taken place in Venice, but a full flight simulator is to be installed next fall in Mexico.

Interjet is making a profit with the SSJ100, according to Garza.

CityJet has just started operating the type. Executive Chairman Pat Byrne commended the cockpit’s “close resemblance” with that of the A320, and made a similar comparison of the SaM146 and the CFM56 engines.