The Sukhoi Superjet 100 team yesterday celebrated two deals worth a combined $750 million for the sale of 25 aircraft to two European organisations.
The first sale was to an undisclosed long-established European carrier, which is taking 20 of the aircraft in a deal worth $600 million.
The second agreement was with Asset Management Advisors (AMA) for five aircraft worth a total of $150 million.
Speaking of the 20-aircraft order, Alessandro Franzoni, chief executive of Superjet International, says: “We are honoured to have this order by a customer that has to remain undisclosed at this stage.” Industry sources suggest that it may be Icealandic Air that will be the launch customer.
“Our customer strongly believes in the 100 seats aircraft segment and with the SSJ100 he will certainly take advantage of its outstanding performance in terms of fuel consumption and low environmental impact,” Franzoni says.
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Francesco Guarnieri, AMA chief executive, says: “I believe these orders will be the commencement of a new financial cooperation with Superjet International.”
AMA is also believed to be looking at a business aircraft application for the aircraft. The company claims to have several potential customers lined up to lease the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, including a number who are seeking a VIP-configured version.
Guarnieri says the company has tentative agreements with about five or six customers to take a total of 25-30 aircraft over the next 30-35 months.
Guarnieri says the first five aircraft ordered will begin arriving in 2011. But he adds that he expects to order another batch for 2012, although this is subject to discussions over possible VIP layouts.
He says AMA is focusing on start-up and regional operators for the aircraft and says current potential customers are located in northern Europe and the Balkan states.
Source: Flight International
