CityJet has announced that it has agreed to take delivery of 15 Superjet SSJ100 passenger aircraft from Superjet International, commencing next year. Superjet International (SJI) is a joint venture between Alenia Aermacchi, part of the Finmeccanica Group of Italy, and the Russian Sukhoi corporation.
CityJet Executive Chairman Pat Byrne said: “We are very excited to be the very first airline in Europe to order this ‘game-changing’ aircraft that delivers a level of comfort, plush interior design and cabin capacity that is far superior to all of its competitors. This is a very versatile new generation jet which will fulfill our requirements with a capability to operate at smaller airports such as our hub at London City Airport and offer significant advantages in fuel efficiency, emissions ratings and noise reduction.
“We intend introducing the SSJ100 on charter activity in 2016 and will place it on our London City route network in 2017. We believe our customers will love this jet.”
The SSJ 100 seats 98 passengers and is the first aircraft in its class to offer five abreast seating in a generous 32” seat pitch. Combined with a wider seat and a cabin height of over 2 metres, the SSJ100 offers more cabin and overhead bin space than competitors. The SSJ100 utilises the latest in design and flight technology from key manufacturers such as Snecma (engines) and Thales (avionics) from France and Goodrich (wheels) and Honeywell (auxiliary power unit) from the USA. The interior benefits from the Italian design house of Pininfarina. The aircraft achieved European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification in February 2012.
CityJet has agreed to take four aircraft in 2016 with the delivery of an additional 11 throughout 2017. The airline has also taken options on an additional 10 aircraft.
