Saudi Arabia In Talks To Purchase Superjet, MC-21 Aircraft

Saudi Arabia is eyeing Russia's newest commercial aircraft -- Sukhoi Superjet 100 and MC-21, and is reportedly in talks for the purchase with the Russian officials.

In an interview with TASS, Director for International Cooperation and Regional Politics at the Rostec state corporation Viktor Kladov said: "We have an active dialogue with Saudi Arabia on a whole number of areas, they are interested not only in the Russian equipment, but also in technologies. I would not like to go into details, but the dialogue is positive. The sides are discussing possible supplies to the country of the SSJ-100 and the MC-21 aircraft, and we are actively showing our achievements in aviation”.

According to Kladov, the new MC-21 medium-haul passenger jet is a 100% Russian development and it has good prospects after entering the market. "The discussion is underway, Saudi Arabia has interest in our jets," he added.

MC-21 is a medium-haul aircraft being developed by the United Aircraft Corporation. It will be manufactured in two configurations: MC-21-200 (seating 132 to 165 passengers) and MC-21-300 (capable of carrying 163 to 211 passengers). Currently, work is in progress only on MC-21-300. In late May 2017, it performed its maiden flight. The first planes are scheduled for delivery at the end of 2018.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is the first modern Russian jet, unveiled in 2003. Its maiden flight was carried out in 2008 and in 2011 the aircraft undertook its first commercial passenger flight. At the moment, more than 120 SSJ-100 jets are in service, and the 169th aircraft is being manufactured, President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Alexander Rubtsov said.