Russian manufacturer Irkut has mandated that its potential system suppliers on the MS-21 family of aircraft work with Russian companies either through partnerships or joint ventures.
The MS-21 family comprises three twin-engined jets with 150, 180 and 210 seats.
Irkut this year plans to achieve the "gate 3" milestone in design, which includes presentation of draft design and configuration approval.
Today during a programme update at the show, Irkut president Oleg Demchenko explained the manufacturer has received tenders from potential partners and should firm up major suppliers by year-end.
"One major condition," says Demchenko, is that Irkut prefers those companies wishing to participate in the aircraft programme find and partner companies in Russia either through the establishment of joint ventures or through subcontracting agreements.
Demchenko declares that "everyone has accepted this position".
Irkut so far has collected feedback about the MS-21 from 42 potential operators. But Demchenko admits the difficulty of accelerating those discussions without a finalised configuration including aircraft and engines.
Irkut's president recognises the challenges of introducing a new aircraft during a global economic crisis. "It is going to be very hard." Nevertheless, Irkut aims to sign a letter of intent for the MS-21 in 2010.
As the manufacturer continues to work towards configuration approval Irkut is also dedicating efforts to aftermarket sales and support. Demchenko says the company has held several meetings European MRO Lufthansa Technik.
Irkut's current development schedule shows the MS-21 achieving Russian certification in 2015 followed by European approval and service in 2016.
Irkut is part of Russian conglomerate United Aircraft and in July 2007 was granted approval as the prime contractor for the MS-21. Pilot approval for the project followed a year later in August 2008.
Financing for the Irkut MS-21 is split 60% between the Russian state government and 40% from the manufacturer.
"All in all, the federal task programme makes provision for Rb72 billion [$2.3 billion] to fund the MS-21 programme," Irkut says.
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Source: Flight Daily News
