The United Aircraft Corporation contracted delivery of five aircraft Sukhoi SuperJet 100 (SSJ 100) to Zambia. The manufacturer signed a contract, entering on completely new market. In Zambia, United Aircraft Corporation will deliver one aircraft in a VIP package for the head of the state, while another four will be directed for the development of a local civilian airline.
The Russian manufacturer, together with African Export-Import Bank, concluded a leasing agreement. The document provides for the supply of an additional ten SSJ 100 aircraft to the African market. In addition, VEB jointly with Afroeximbank agreed to create a leasing account, which for the time being will provide for the purchase and sale of ten aircraft. In the future, as the evaluation of the African market, account can be extended.
Now the most active foreign operator of SSJ 100 is the Mexican Interjet, which has 22 planes in its fleet. Last week, Interjet confirmed its readiness to take another ten SSJ 100 aircraft. Together with the option to purchase eight more aircraft, the UAC expects that the Mexican carrier will operate 40 SSJ 100. The promotion of this aircraft to the Mexican government is contributing to the local market, as the the airline from Mexico City is now limited, which motivates airlines to expand from major Mexican centers.
Last week, the head of the UAC, Yuri Slyusar, said that the company “will not scale this project to more than 30-40 aircraft per year”, since in the world market this segment is estimated at 100-120 aircraft per year maximum. It is not advisable to increase production capacity for a larger number of machines – the company will not be able to sell them taking into account existing competition.
