Sukhoi regional-jet collaboration is still a reality, despite Aeroflot favouring Airbus narrowbodies
Boeing is reconfirming its commitment to the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) collaboration with a group of Russian manufacturers led by Sukhoi, despite Russian carrier Aeroflot's preference for Airbus to meet its narrowbody fleet renewal requirement.
Boeing had earlier said that it would have to reconsider its investments in Russia if the Aeroflot deal were to swing in Airbus's favour.
Aeroflot is believed to be favouring the A320 over the 737 and planning the acquisition of 18 aircraft, although the Boeing 767 is ahead in the airline's widebody competition (Flight International, 23-29 July).
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Alan Mulally assured Sukhoi general director Mikhail Pogosyan at the show that Boeing will continue to participate in the RRJ project.
The partners have completed the second phase of the joint feasibility study, estimating the market at 650 units by 2020. Russian and CIS airlines have expressed interest in 150 aircraft for delivery by 2010.
Yakovlev has joined Ilyushin and Sukhoi in the project after Russia's Rosaviacosmos state agency asked Russian companies to bid for state funding allocated for "a new generation regional jet". Applications for the funds should be submitted by November.
The RRJ design and weights will be frozen by the end of the year, with a production factory to be selected in early 2003.
Meanwhile, Boeing and Sukhoi have established a joint working group on personnel training in addition to the existing four involving marketing, certification, development/production and after-sales support issues.
Source: Flight International
