Belgian carrier VLM is to become the first European Union operator of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 following a deal with Ilyushin Finance to lease two of the regional aircraft.
It has options for a further pair and purchase rights on 10 more. Lease periods on the first two jets, which are subject to a letter of intent, will run for 12 years.
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“As for delivery of the two firm aircraft, we’re aiming to receive the first in early April and the second by the end of the month,”
The COO also pointed out that at present the SSJ100 LR, capable of flying 4,500 km, is not EASA certified. “The versions we will receive for the start-up will be the Basic version with a 3,000 km range. EASA certification for the LR should be completed towards the end of the 2015 summer season, around September/October. The aircraft will then be updated to the LR configuration which involves modifications to the fuel tanks and some other ‘hard’ mods, which according to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) are minor. There will also be winglets involved too,” Blair noted.