The SuperJet-100 project is a family of medium-range passenger aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in cooperation with major American and European aviation corporations, including Boeing, Snecma, Thales, Messier Dowty, Liebherr Aerospace, and Honeywell.
"We are planning to build nine aircraft in 2008, 30 planes in 2009, 60 planes in 2010, and starting in 2011 to roll out 70 jets annually," said Sergei Shkryabun, the company's regional director.
Sukhoi plans to produce at least 700 RRJs, and intends to sell 35% of them in North America, 25% in Europe, 10% in Latin America, and 7% in Russia and China.
The overall market for the SuperJet-100 is estimated at about 5,500 aircraft, or $100 billion, through 2023.
So far, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft has secured over 60 orders for its regional aircraft. Aeroflot, Russia's national air carrier, is one of the largest clients, with contracts for the delivery of at least 45 planes.
In a recent Le Bourget deal, Sukhoi signed a $283-million contract to supply 10 Superjet-100 aircraft to Italian carrier ItAli Airlines.
Italy's Finmeccanica and Alenia-Aeronautica have signed an agreement with Sukhoi holding to jointly acquire a blocking stake (25% plus one share) in Sukhoi. The deal is subject to approval by the Russian and Italian governments.
Under the agreement, the Italian companies will provide at least 25% of the investment for the Superjet-100 project.
Sukhoi said in June it was planning to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares after 2010.
