The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to finance research and development (R&D) to replace foreign SaM146 engines with domestic PD-8 engines on existing Superjet 100 aircraft, according to the head of the ministry, Anton Alikhanov.
This concerns liners manufactured before 2022 that are still in operation with airlines.
The airframe still has a large reserve of life, so it is important for us now to carry out scientific and experimental design work on re-engining to resolve some technical issues with such a pin-to-pin replacement. I think we will definitely take on this work and finance it from the ministry.
To implement this project, the ministry plans to propose a financing mechanism to the government through GTLK and other leasing companies. A preferential option is possible so that airlines can replace old engines with new ones without significant costs. Specific start dates for the project have not yet been determined, but it is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Earlier, the United Aircraft Corporation stated that re-engining old Superjet 100s might prove economically unviable. However, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is ready to take on part of the costs to help carriers keep their aircraft in operation.
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