Ilyushin Finance backlog set to grow

Russian aviation lessor Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) will shortly add more than 100 aircraft to its backlog. In early June, the IFC shareholders approved the contracts to purchase 50 Russian Irkut MS-21 short- to medium-range airlines and 20 Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional aircraft, as well as 32 Bombardier CSeries jetliners. IFC representatives told Russia & CIS Observer that the SSJ100s are intended for an Asia-Pacific customer. More details of this deal are to be revealed at Paris Air Show 2013.

IFC finalized its MC-21 order in 2011. The company is likely to receive a mix of MC-21 variants powered by either Russian Perm PD-14 or Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines, but the final choice will be made at a later date, says the IFC source. According to MC-21 developer Irkut Corporation, the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2017. As IFC CEO Alexander Rubtzov explained earlier, the seating capacity and performance of the Bombardier CSeries CS300 version places it between the SSJ100 and the future MC-21. Although IFC became the first Russian customer for the Canadian type, placing a $2.5 bln order in 2011 with deliveries scheduled for 2015-18, these aircraft will be leased to airlines in the CIS and elsewhere outside Russia.