Russian energy giant Gazprom has confirmed a purchase contract for 10 firm Sukhoi Superjet 100s for its in-house carrier Gazpromavia, a deal valued at $323 million at catalogue prices.

Valery Kanyuka, first deputy chief of Gazprom, sealed the agreement at the MAKS Moscow air show, in the presence of Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013, Sukhoi said.

Moscow-based Gazpromavia operates scheduled and charter services with a diverse fleet, many carried out in relation to the oil and gas industry.

"I'm very glad that one of the major Russian airlines decided in favour of Sukhoi Superjet 100," Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, the airframer's chief executive, said.

"I'm sure that our aircraft will show its operational efficiency on the regional route network of the company," he added.

Gazpromavia also sealed a maintenance support deal for the PowerJet SaM146 engines with the powerplant manufacturer.

Andrey Ovcharenko, the airline's chief, said the pact would "give our company the opportunity to maintain the highest level of flight safety and aircraft reliability" and help to "significantly lower" operating costs.

Source: Flight International

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