Aircraft

Italy's Alenia Aeronautica and Russia's Sukhoi formally unveiled their joint venture, named Superjet International, which will have sole responsibility for certification and marketing of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft in Western markets. The venture was revealed at the Paris air show earlier this year.

Alenia, which holds just over 25% in Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and a stake in the Superjet programme, will have a 51% interest in Superjet International, which will be based in Venice.

The venture will provide post-delivery technical support worldwide for Superjets.

"In this work, we'll use know-how and expertise gained with [turboprop manufacturer] ATR," says Alenia Aeronautica senior vice-president for strategy and business development Carlo Logli, estimating the value of the joint venture at $250 million.

Superjet International will be in charge of securing European certification for the Superjet 100. Alenia will contribute to its production by supplying composite components.

Sukhoi Holding president Mikhail Pogosyan says there are orders and options covering more than 100 Superjets, adding: "I can guarantee that, before the end of this year, we'll strike new deals both with domestic and foreign airlines."