Russia’s new airliner steals the Paris Air Show
Published: 17 June, 2009, 03:31
48th international Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airport (AFP Photo / Pierre Verdy)
(6.7Mb) embed videoThe Superjet 100's made its debut flight as its manufacturer, Sukhoi, has been busy signing up customers. It eventually hopes to build 70 planes a year in its factories.
The Sukhoi-made aircraft took a big step forward in Paris with a smooth, flawless performance. International airlines now want to see the details.
The next step will be the Moscow Air Show in August. The head of Superjet producer, Sukhoi, says the inside of the plane will be ready by then.
Russia is so proud of this plane that it is minting Superjet commemorative coins. This follows cynics predicting it wouldn't get off the ground and some Western airlines continue to remain unconvinced about the plane.
The Superjet is emphasizing that it is not like previous Russian passenger jets, which have a poor international reputation.
“80% of the plane is of Western content, and it has the most modern technology available today. Its credibility will build with our customer service network and when people see the aircraft flying,” says Alessandro Franzoni, head of Superjet International.
When potential foreign buyers actually see the plane, they are pleasantly surprised.
“The preconception people had was that the Russian part of the world is closed. So it's nice to see this aircraft, which is as modern as any in Europe or America,” notes Mohammad Haroon, head of Pakistan International Airlines.
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