Italian carrier ItAli Airlines, which became the first Western customer for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in 2007, has been dropped from Superjet International's firm order book.

The carrier placed a firm order for 10 Superjet 100s plus 10 options during the 2007 Farnborough air show, becoming the Western launch customer for the Russian-built regional jet.

However, the order does not appear in Superjet International's latest list of firm orders.

A Superjet International spokeswoman says the order is "on hold" because "ItAli Airlines, like many others in the mature market, faced some difficulties and is now in the process of establishing itself with new management".

ItAli Airlines could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hungarian flag carrier Malev's letter of intent for 30 Superjet 100s is also on hold due to a change in management at the airline.

Superjet International's order book now lists a total of 71 firm orders, while Sukhoi Civil Aircraft's firm order book lists 99 firm customers.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news