Russian airlines will continue operating the Sukhoi Superjet. According to its manufacturer, the country has the technology to service these aircraft and their engines.
In a statement replicated by Tass, Rostec, the Russian technology conglomerate that manufactures the SSJ-100, noted that «information about a possible suspension of Superjet operation is not true.» The state corporation added that «together with the airlines we are doing everything possible to continue uninterrupted operation of the model.»
The rumor was prompted by a letter from Iraero Airlines. The company pointed out in a statement to Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev that international sanctions deprived carriers of the ability to service the SaM146 engines that power the SSJ-100. Executives of three other airlines added to these claims.
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Denying these claims, Rostec said that «Russia has the capacity to carry out maintenance of aircraft of this type, including their engines». According to the company, «the problems arising from the sanctions are being resolved and we have a clear roadmap for the way forward. Russian airlines will continue operating the Sukhoi Superjet.»
About the airline, they indicated being «surprised by Iraero’s statements. To the best of our knowledge, they have no problems with their fleet». Rostec stated that «all of the company’s Superjets are in service and all of their engines are operational».
An all-local version of the SSJ-100, powered by the Russian-sourced PD-8 engine, will be introduced towards the end of 2023. Currently, the Superjet uses engines of French-Russian origin. The SaM146 was developed and built by PowerJet, which is integrated by Snecma and NPO Saturn.
