Sukhoi close to deal for small civilian jet

Mumbai: Russian defence aerospace major Sukhoi is close to bagging its first civilian Indian client with its regional 60- to 90-seater jet Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Sources close to the development say the aircraft manufacturer is in advanced talks with several domestic airline companies, including Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines and Indian Airlines.
It has also met representatives of regional airlines like Paramount Airways and MDLR Airways and others awaiting clearance from the civil aviation ministry.
The manufacturer is expected to conclude a deal by May-end and deliver its first aeroplane in 2008. It is offering a 25 per cent discount over the prices of entrenched small-jet competitors ATR, Bombardier and Embraer and adding in free pilot training and spares support.
The Brazilian Embraer costs $40 million and the Canadian Bombardier, $35 million. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 will cost $25 million.
Sukhoi executives were unavailable for comment. Jet Airways and Air Deccan executives confirmed that the company had approached them.
18/05/07 P R Sanjai/Business Standard

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Categories: General Aviation May 2007, New May 2007