Aircraft

Sukhoi Superjet 100 marketing organisation Superjet International has sealed an agreement with Hungarian maintenance firm Aeroplex to provide maintenance for the type.

The memorandum of understanding, disclosed in the week of the MAKS Moscow air show, covers heavy airframe maintenance at Aeroplex's Budapest facility, as well as line and off-site support. It follows Hungarian flag-carrier Malev's tentative deal to acquire a Superjet fleet.

Superjet International senior vice-president for customer services Giovanni Simonetti says the "strategic location" of Aeroplex will be a "boost" for customers in Europe and Russia. Aeroplex chief Viktor Hajso says the company will offer a wide range of services.

Armenian flag-carrier Armavia, another Superjet 100 customer, has also agreed a letter of intent for a five-year after-sales support pact. The airline has been in line to take the first Superjet by the end of this year.

Superjet International says the deal "represents the launch" of its 'SuperCare' package for the twin-jet.

Armavia general director Norayr Shakratovich Belluyan says the per-flight-hour scheme is the "right solution" to optimise costs.