The Sukhoi-built SuperJet completed its maiden flight yesterday in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

The regional jet flew more than an hour and reached an altitude of 1,200 metres, said the Russian manufacturer in a statement. In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Sukhoi CEO Mikhail Pogosyan commented: “This is a big success for Sukhoi. Despite many difficulties, we achieved our goal”. The 75- to 95-seat SuperJet made its first flight five months later than scheduled. The delay was caused by difficulties in integrating components from about 40 international suppliers, said Maxim Grishanin, CFO of the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft division. But according to Mr Pogosyan, this programme –the development of which is costing more than $ 1.4Bn- has “set a true precedent, creating a new cooperation programme around Sukhoi. The priceless experience will be used in other programmes”. He, however, declined to give a specific schedule for deliveries of the SuperJet, saying they will be as close to the contract plan as possible. La Tribune says the first delivery to Aeroflot is expected at the beginning of 2009. Sukhoi hopes to sell 800 units of its new jets by 2024, including 300 in Russia and 500 to Western airlines. AFP (19/05), Bloomberg (19/05), La Tribune, Die Welt, International Herald Tribune