Russia's Sukhoi hopes to boost civil aircraft sales as the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) project moves into the production phase this year.
The company recorded sales of Rb45 billion ($1.61 billion) in 2004, with exports accounting for 95%, compared with total sales of Rb61 billion in 2003. The company delivered 40 combat aircraft to Algeria, China, India and Vietnam last year, and says Malaysia will be the 30th country to buy Sukhoi fighter aircraft. Civil activities accounted for 5% of the company's 2004 sales volumes, but Sukhoi says this will increase as it plans to start building the first of its RRJ aircraft in 2005 and to deliver it in 2007.
Sukhoi also aims to increase its revenues from maintenance and spare parts, from $135 million in 2004 to $150 million in 2005. Sukhoi says its orderbook stands at more than $1 billion. The company plans to maintain combat aircraft exports at between $1.2 and $1.5 billion this year and boost civil exports to $1 billion a year.
Irkut, which manufactures Sukhoi fighter aircraft, has completed delivery of the final batch of Su-30MKI aircraft to India, according to the Russian defence minister. The last aircraft was delivered on 30 December, completing the 1996 delivery contract and 1998 follow-on contract. Irkut has delivered 38 Su-30MKIs in total. Separately two aircraft were assembled and delivered to the Indian air force by HAL. The third batch of deliveries, which Irkut announced in December, is also complete.
HELEN MASSY-BERESFORD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
