Superjet International Joint Venture Takes Shape

Sept. 11, 2007 — -- The multi-national Superjet International joint venture, which is intended to market and support the Sukhoi-developed and built Superjet 100-seat regional jet, has been formally set up.

The venture, in which Alenia Aeronautica holds 51% and Sukhoi 49%, will have Alessandro Franzoni as CEO, with the company board led by Amedeo Caporaletti the venture partners decided yesterday in their first formal meeting of the Venice-based company.

Sukhoi will retain the lead in some markets, in particular in former Soviet states, China, India the Middle East and Southeast Asian markets, while Superjet International will be charged with sales efforts in Europe, Africa, North and South America and Japan.

The Italians, in particular, are supposed to provide credibility to the in-service support packages, drawing on their involvement in the ATR turboprop joint venture with EADS. There had been concern with Superjet 100 stake holders that without a western firm providing its after-sales support, western airlines would be reluctant to buy the regional jet.

Beyond the sales and role, the venture also is supposed to help with customization, as well as design and development responsibility for business jet and cargo versions.

Establishing the venture follows a formal agreement for Alenia to take a 25% stake (plus 1 share) in the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. Sukhoi holds the remaining shares.