The state Belarusian company 'Belavia' with headquarters in Minsk plans on increasing its fleet by purchasing Russian planes MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet New. Such decision has been made by the management due to sanctions pressure from Western countries, announced Igor Cherginets, the director of the carrier.
The Belarusian airlines can't purchase Boeing, Airbus, Embraer airplanes, hence they are negotiating with OAC. Minsk is waiting for the Russian side to produce the necessary amount of vessels. According to Cherginets, MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet New will go into commercial operation within the period of 2024-2026. Currently, ‘Belavia’ has a fleet of 13 planes, the average age of which is slightly over 13 years.
According to OAC, the localized version of the Sukhoi Superjet News - SJ-100 will get a Russian engine PD-8. The certification documents will be submitted to the aviation regulator before the end of November 2023.
MC-21 has received the first set of avionics, developed by Ulyanovsk design bureau’s engineers. Using a special control panel, the pilot will be able to control the hydraulics, fuel, and inertial systems as well. The work is being carried out as part of the import substitution program.
Previously, it was reported that the SJ-100 flight with a new engine is scheduled for December 2023.