Finmeccanica unit Alenia Aeronautica has formally signed the final agreement covering its co-operation on Sukhoi's Superjet 100 (SSJ) programme, which involves the acquisition of a stake in Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC).
Under the deal, Alenia will take a 25% plus one share stake in SCAC and a corresponding financial stake in the development of the Superjet programme. Alena and Sukhoi will now set up a joint venture - to be based in France or Italy - responsible for marketing, sales and delivery of SSJs for the Western market.
Finmeccanica chief executive Pier Francesco Guarguaglini says that the formal agreement "will allow the two governments to form an agreement in support of the alliance with Sukhoi".
The Italian and Russian governments are set to finalise a further agreement early next year to enable implementation of the partnership.
Finmeccanica's part-owned subsidiary Avio has signed an agreement with Snecma and NPO Saturn to produce 10% of the SSJ's SaM146 engine, namely the accessory gearbox and the combustor. Avio is already involved in Snecma's SMX turbofan - a derivative of the SaM146 designed to power 40- to 60-seat aircraft.
Source: Flight International
