Superjet International, the joint venture set up by Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi to sell and market the Superjet 100 regional airliner in Western markets, says it has already identified demand for around 20 VIP versions of the aircraft.
Although Superjet manufacturer Sukhoi Civil Aircraft is retaining responsibility for selling the twinjet to airlines in Russia and the CIS, Superjet International will handle sales of the planned VIP variant worldwide.
"I would like to say there is a certain interest in the VIP version, most of all in the Russian market," says Sukhoi Holding president Mikhail Pogosyan.
Contacts have already been established with potential buyers for up to 20 aircraft, he says, "but it is only as a start because we appreciate general sales of the VIP version [will be] as high as 100 units".
Superjet International will have responsibility for certification, marketing and sales of the Superjet 100 airliner in Western markets, and provide after-sales support.
SCAC will is responsible for the design and manufacture of the Superjet family, as well as sales and marketing in Russia and the CIS, China, India, the Middle East and South-East Asia.
Alenia, which signed an agreement at the Paris air show in June to acquire 25% plus-one-share of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, has a 51% interest in Superjet International.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
