'Do as I say not as I do' is not the world's greatest sales pitch, but somewhat incredibly it is the message coming from the Russian presidential flight about the Sukhoi Superjet. Despite the project having had the Russian administration's explicit backing since its origins, it now turns out that the Rossiya Special Flight has selected the Antonov An-148 instead because the Superjet has too much foreign content and so is a security risk. Vedomosti has the story here.
Now we're only talking about a couple of aircraft here, but the issue
is prestige of course. What on earth is a potential customer for the
Superjet supposed to make of a pitch from a country whose president
won't use the thing?
It is the case of course that the foreign content, and commercial involvement, in Superjet is enormous. In fact it's not clear to me - and I've asked - just how much financial benefit flows back to Russia from sales of the aircraft. And it's reasonable to wonder about the motives of the Western entities so enthusiastically backing the project - most recently in the form of a high-profile visit to the aircraft at Le Bourget by French cabinet ministers. But what's done is done and it's clear as day that Superjet currently represents Russia's way of keeping its foot in the door of the international market while it somewhat desperately works out how to grow its presence in the years ahead.
According to the story that's appeared, president Medvedev approved the rejection of the Superjet. I'm sure he knows what he's doing.
It is the case of course that the foreign content, and commercial involvement, in Superjet is enormous. In fact it's not clear to me - and I've asked - just how much financial benefit flows back to Russia from sales of the aircraft. And it's reasonable to wonder about the motives of the Western entities so enthusiastically backing the project - most recently in the form of a high-profile visit to the aircraft at Le Bourget by French cabinet ministers. But what's done is done and it's clear as day that Superjet currently represents Russia's way of keeping its foot in the door of the international market while it somewhat desperately works out how to grow its presence in the years ahead.
According to the story that's appeared, president Medvedev approved the rejection of the Superjet. I'm sure he knows what he's doing.
on August 18, 2009 4:05 PM | Reply
What's weird is that Antonov has in the past had to make sure the An-148 didn't compete too closely with the Superjet to avoid irking the Russian government. A bizarre turn of events.
on August 21, 2009 11:42 AM | Reply
I'm really surprised to read such information!!
The AN148 is not a Russian aircraft but an Ukrainian aircraft. Russia has claimed to stop diplomatic contact with Ukraine due to Gaz dispute.
Does Russia support Antonov against UAK ???
Quite curious situation from a nationalist country.
on August 28, 2009 7:23 PM | Reply
in my opinion An-148 has about 70% particulars from russia
on September 8, 2009 11:26 PM | Reply
This does not suprise me at all -- The beauty of The Bear is that it leaves all options open after all Antonov is an exceptional company
even in hard times, so why not tickle the underbelly !
on June 19, 2010 6:17 AM | Reply
What a shame. The Superjet appears to be the superior product in everyway. The 148 on the other hand is shaping up to be a piece of junk and ugly to boot.