Russian provincial carrier Kuban has signed a letter of intent with Sukhoi for 12 Superjet 100 regional aircraft.
Under the agreement, deliveries will commence in 2012 with two aircraft, followed by a further six in 2013. No details were released on the timescale for delivery of the remainder.
The Superjets will replace Kuban's entire fleet of ageing Yakovlev Yak-42s.
The two sides intend to firm the agreement before next year. Kuban chairman Denis Ilyin said the airline's priority is to develop regional services, hence the need for a new regional fleet.
Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, president of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, said the airframer would deliver the aircraft on schedule. The deal has brought Sukhoi closer to its goal of securing commitments for 57 Superjet 100s during the MAKS air show in Moscow.
Prisyazhnyuk said it also expects to conclude preliminary agreements with airlines from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
According to Flightglobal's ACAS database, Kuban operates seven Yak-42s and seven Yak-42Ds.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news