Superjet International (SJI, chalet B15-16) is ramping up its training activities for Sukhoi Superjet crews as the Italian company arrives in Farnborough eager to add to its order tally for the Russian-built regional jet.
The Venice-based Alenia Aermacchi and Sukhoi joint venture is responsible for training and support globally, as well as sales of the SSJ100 outside the CIS. So far, more than 100 pilots from launch airlines Armavia and Aeroflot, as well as 28 cabin crew and over 300 technicians have attended training at SJI's centres in Venice and Moscow. That figure is expected to reach 150 by the end of the year.
The company will install a full-flight simulator for the Superjet at its Venice facility later this year, joining one already in place in Russia. Pilots from SJI's own launch airline, Interjet, are expected to start training soon after, coinciding with delivery of the first of 15 aircraft ordered by the Mexican carrier.
The first green aircraft for Interjet will arrive in Venice in August for the installation of its interior.
Business aviation company Comlux has also ordered two VIP versions of the SSJ100, with two options, which will be delivered to Comlux's own completion centre in mid-2014, says SJI.
The Swiss charter operator is in discussions with SJI and Sukhoi about the variant's exact specifications, which will include additional fuel tanks.
SJI chief executive Nazario Cauceglia says the company is confident of securing further airline orders soon. "We have a couple of African countries where we are spending a lot of effort at the moment, but we think the credibility of this aircraft will increase dramatically and open opportunities in South America and even North America, depending on the relaxation of scope clauses," he adds.
Source: Flight Daily News
