Replacing SaM146 with Russian PD-8s will extend the operation of part of the SSJ-100 fleet, but the project's effectiveness will depend on the cost of aircraft ownership. This conclusion was reached by the author of the Skyexpert analytical blog, after analyzing the parameters of the discussed re-engining program.
About 50 Superjet-100 aircraft may receive Russian PD-8 engines instead of SaM146 as part of the re-engining program. The preliminary project estimate, according to Kommersant newspaper, was 115 billion rubles, but its further implementation will depend not only on the technical possibility of installing new power plants, but also on the economic efficiency of aircraft operation.
Previously, a similar modernization option was considered too expensive and complex due to the large amount of related work. In addition to replacing engines, it will require aircraft adaptation, organization of maintenance for new power plants, and ensuring the production of the necessary number of PD-8s for new liners, a reserve fund, and the modernized fleet.
Aircraft selection will be carried out taking into account their technical condition, remaining service life, and the possibility of further operation. The first engine replacement work is expected no earlier than the end of 2029.
The economic side of the project remains the main question. With intensive operation, additional re-engining costs will be distributed over the entire service life of the aircraft and will increase the cost of each flight hour. For airlines, this means an increase in costs that must be taken into account when calculating route profitability.
At the same time, an increase in PD-8 production can reduce the engine's cost due to increased serial production. Power plants will be needed not only for modernized Superjets, but also for new aircraft, as well as other projects, including Be-200 amphibious aircraft.
It should be noted that later the head of OAK, Vadim Badeha, denied the cost estimate for re-engining SaM146 engines of the SSJ-100 aircraft, but did not name the actual amounts.