The issue of re-engining Sukhoi Superjet SSJ-100 aircraft with Franco-Russian SaM146 engines to PD-8 is quite complex from an economic point of view. The aircraft could be sold to foreign airlines if they provide maintenance with the support of foreign component manufacturers, "First Technical" was told by Oleg Panteleev, Executive Director of Aviaport agency, aviation expert.
He recalled that a couple of years ago, the restart of SSJ-100 production in the UAE jointly with Italy based on existing documentation was discussed.
It would be an ideal scenario to sell the entire fleet of "Superjets" that have foreign components to countries that are not under European and American sanctions. We would form the fleet of 100-seat aircraft needed by our country from import-substituted SJ-100 aircraft, and everyone would be happy. But this is a complex combination that looks more like a pipe dream than a reality.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia plans to conduct research and development work (R&D) in 2026 to install new PD-8 engines on the SSJ-100 aircraft, and the agency will propose to the government to finance them at the expense of the ministry. This was announced by the head of the agency, Anton Alikhanov.