Sukhoi Unveils RRJ Cabin Mockup at Farnborough: Signs Up First Customer
Formal unveiling took place yesterday at Farnborough by Sukhoi Holding Co. General Director Mikhail Pogosyan and Robert J. Khoury, president and CEO of B/E Aerospace, of a cabin section mockup of Sukhoi's Russian Regional Jet. Powered by two pod-mounted underwing SNECMA/NPO Saturn SM146 turbofans, the RRJ will be certified by the Russian, U.S. and European authorities, and will meet world ecological and noise requirements. Flight development is due to start in mid-2006, for certification in the following year. The RRJ has attracted significant launch customer interest from Russia's Aeroflot and other local carriers, as well as Western Europe, and Sukhoi is forecasting sales of at least 625 aircraft through 2022.
Yesterday afternoon at Farnborough, an agreement was signed by Pogosyan and Filev Vladislav, CEO of Siberian Airlines, as the launch customer for the RRJ, which will be produced in 63-, 78- or 98-passenger versions.
