Sukhoi will miss its goal of beginning customer deliveries of the Superjet 100 regional jet this year.
After several rounds of delay, Sukhoi was pressing hard to meet the 2010 in-service goal, but now is having to satisfy itself with obtaining a partial Russian certification, which is still planned by year-end. Approval of some technical issues also is being deferred, with Basic Area Navigation performance and Category III landing capabilities not due to be finalized until next year, Sukhoi officials acknowledge.
Armavia will receive its Superjet (SN95007) first. The aircraft is currently involved in certification work and due to be handed over in February.
Aeroflot’s first aircraft, SN95008, is currently in the paint shop and then due to undergo final delivery preparations. The aircraft is due to be handed over in March, around when a second one is due to be ready for Aeroflot, too. The airline has already included the Superjet 100 in its summer flight schedule.
Prior to the formal delivery, each airline will use its first aircraft to train pilots on the Superjet 100. That work is to start as soon as Russian authorities grant the type certificate. The work is important since a fully capable simulator is not, yet, ready.
The European Aviation Safety Agency is slated to grant its type certificate by July, although that remains contingent on the willingness of authorities to issue the document with only CAT II landing capabilities for later expansion.
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