Russian provincial carrier Saravia is looking to place an order for three Bombardier Q400 turboprops, although the type has yet to achieve approval from the country's certification authorities.
A spokesman says lessor Ilyushin Finance has made a presentation on the Q400 to Saravia's shareholders with a view to arranging financial lease on three.
The Saratov-based carrier expects to receive a commercial offer from the lessor over the next month and conduct a feasibility study afterwards.
While the Q400 is not certified in Russia the country's airworthiness authority has started the approval procedure for it, following an application from Bombardier. The Interstate Aviation Comittee says it has already completed validation of the Pratt & Whitney PW150 engine and its propeller system.
"We're now considering a request to certify the aircraft on the whole," says the spokesman. "If all goes well, Bombardier could obtain the type certificate in three or four months."
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
