Sukhoi says no Superjet deliveries to Iran yet

Russia’s Sukhoi aviation giant has rejected reports that it has signed an agreement on deliveries of a dozen of its advanced twin-engine regional jets – known as Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100). 

The company in a statement said last week reports by certain Iranian media that a deal for deliveries of SSJ100s had been signed during the MAKS-2017 air show were not accurate.

Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in April that there was a “concrete” agreement with Iran for purchasing 12 SSJ100s.

Novak emphasized that the two countries had been negotiating over purchasing 100 Sukhoi planes for the past 18 months.

However, he added, they were only able to reach a deal regarding 12 aircraft at the moment.

"We are working out with our Iranian partners supply of our Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. Our colleagues have confirmed that there is a concrete agreement for 12 planes already,” Sputnik quoted the Russian minister as saying.

“In the short term, we are considering 30 aircraft. This is just the beginning, because overall, the Iranians are interested in purchasing 100 Sukhoi Superjet aircraft.”

In February 2016, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Vice-President Vladislav Masalov said the delivery of SSJ100 planes to Iran could only be made after the approval of US component manufacturers. The approval has not been given yet, reported Russia’s Sputnik news agency.

The SSJ100 is a twin-engine plane that can transport up to 98 passengers and fly distances of up to 2,470 miles. The jet made its maiden flight in May 2008.

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