Aircraft

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft appears to have postponed delivery of Superjet 100 aircraft to Armenian carrier Armavia for several months.

Armavia president and principal shareholder Mikhail Bagdasarov says, speaking in Bahrain after the launch of services to Manama, said the carrier expected to receive jets from the manufacturer next April.

He explains: "We've acquired two aircraft. Their assembly is completed but delivery is held up pending certification due in April."

Bagdasarov insists that the delay is not crucial given the upcoming low travel season.

Armavia had originally expected to be the first recipient of serially-built Superjet 100s, ahead of launch customer Aeroflot. It is unclear whether the postponement will similarly affect the Russian flag-carrier's own Superjet services, intended to start in December.