Swiss business aviation services provider Comlux has ferried the first Sukhoi Business Jet from SuperJet International's headquarters in Venice, Italy, to its US facility in Indianapolis.
The aircraft, MSN 95060, is one of six long-range Superjet 100s that was initially earmarked for Russia's UTAir. However the carrier cancelled this order, according to Flightglobal's Fleets Analyzer database.
Comlux says the central Asian branch of its VIP airline division, Comlux KZ – based in Almaty, Kazakhstan – will use the VIP airliner for charter services following a retrofit.
A $200 million agreement signed by Comlux and Superjet in 2011 covers an order for two long-range variants, plus an option for a further two.
Customisation of the first aircraft is expected to take between seven and eight months to complete, says Comlux Group president Richard Gaona.
“We're confident that our experience in customising business jets and Sukhoi's desire to become a player in the business aviation market bodes well for the success of our joint project,” Gaona adds.
Source: Flight International
