Sukhoi confirmed that it plans to deliver the first production Superjet SSJ100-95–S/N 95007–to launch customer Armavia tomorrow. The 98-seat regional jet won its Russian certification on February 3, more than two-and-a-half years after the first prototype embarked on its maiden flight. Sukhoi expects to gain EASA certification some time this summer.

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and Armavia signed the so-called acceptance act for the first airplane last Tuesday. The document states that the aircraft has proved itself technically sound, that it fully meets performance criteria without any operational limitations and can immediately participate in commercial operations on Armavia’s route network. It also confirms the transfer of the airplane with a full set of operational and maintenance documentation.

By the end of the year SCAC plans to have delivered between six and eight aircraft to Russian and CIS operators, including Russian flag carrier Aeroflot. Thereafter, the company expects production to accelerate rather quickly, reaching an annual rate of 40 to 50 aircraft in two to three years, according to Sukhoi general director Mikhail Pogosyan.