The Vedomosti newspaper reported today that Sukhoi may have to delay SuperJet production because of technical problems, including with the engine. The European Aviation Safety Agency certified the motor last year and Avia Register, Russia’s certification agency, is scheduled to do the same this month, Kayukova said.
Sukhoi has 101 “firm” orders for the 75- to 95-passenger jet and expects to win more at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K., which starts July 19, the company said last week. Russian flagship carrier OAO Aeroflot will be the first airline to fly the aircraft commercially, Sukhoi Chief Executive Officer Mikhail Pogosyan has said.
Fifteen SuperJets, designed to compete in the mid-range market, are scheduled for delivery in 2011, Pogosyan said.
