Sukhoi's Superjet 100 has been certified by Russian authorities, clearing the way for its commercial operation with its initial customers.
Russia's regulatory agency ARMAK says it has granted the approval following "completion of extensive and complex certification work" since April 2004.
This work has included co-operative efforts with Alenia Aeronautica, a shareholder in the Superjet venture, which assisted with noise-compliance and radiation-field tests.
ARMAK is also to grant design organisation approval to the civil aircraft division of Sukhoi.
While the twinjet's PowerJet SaM146 engines were certified in Europe first, and then in Russia, the airframe is being certified in Russia first.
Sukhoi is to receive a formal certificate marking the achievements at a ceremony in Moscow on 3 February. Initial Superjet 100 deliveries will be to Aeroflot and Armavia.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
