Russian IAC AR awards type certification to Sukhoi Superjet 100

Russian aircraft certification authority IAC AR on Friday approved type certification for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 clearing the way for first delivery of the long-delayed aircraft, which rolled out in September 2007 and made its first flight nearly three years ago. The program was formally launched by Sukhoi in 2004 as the RRJ (Russian Regional Jet).

"The type certificate confirms the compliance of the aircraft with the IAC certification norms and airworthiness directives thus opening the way to start commercial operation," Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. stated, noting that it was also granteda design organization approval certificate from IAC AR.

Launch customer Aeroflot holds firm orders for 30 SSJ100s plus 15 options while Armavia, which has two on firm order with two options, was expected to take first delivery.

(Aaron Karp - ATWOnline News)