Superjet Maker Stresses Sanction-Proof Ecosystem, India as Long-Term Market

HYDERABAD. The Russian manufacturer of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 has underlined the strength of its after-sales ecosystem, asserting that its components and support systems are operating independently at a high global standard despite Western sanctions.

A senior executive of United Aircraft Corporation said the aircraft’s components have been operating in Russia for more than four years without support from original Western equipment manufacturers. “This proves that the components prepared in Russia are at a very high level. Even without OEM backing, we are sustaining operations and solving technical issues at the design and production level,” he said.

Responding to questions about international sanctions and potential secondary sanctions affecting Indian partners, the executive said the aircraft now features a “full sanction-protected” configuration. He explained that not only primary systems but also secondary structures and systems have been localised, reducing dependence on Western suppliers.

The company highlighted its dedicated materials and logistics support structure. A separate entity manages global spare parts distribution and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations. In critical cases, the company commits to supplying required components within four hours. A major warehouse located near Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport enables rapid dispatch to international customers. The manufacturer also confirmed long-term cooperation with logistics partner  and stated that its spare parts and technical research systems are well established.

Training infrastructure is another key pillar of its support framework. The company operates at least three training centres equipped with full-flight simulators to train pilots and maintenance crews. Technical publications, including flight and maintenance manuals, are accessible online through a dedicated portal and are updated daily to ensure operators have current documentation.

On its India strategy, the executive described the country as a primary long-term market. The company first explored opportunities in India more than a decade ago and now sees cooperation with Indian partners as the beginning of a “long road to success.” A joint roadmap is being prepared to define concrete steps for collaboration.

Concerns were raised about ecosystem readiness, particularly given the relatively small global fleet of Superjet aircraft compared to Airbus and Boeing models. Industry observers pointed out that airlines benefit from large, ready pools of type-rated pilots and technicians for widely operated aircraft types such as the A320.

In response, the executive cited the Superjet’s 15 years of operational experience, including exports to Mexico, European countries, Laos, Indonesia and Thailand. Around 40 aircraft were delivered internationally, creating a base of trained pilots and engineers. Drawing a historical comparison, he recalled Boeing’s early marketing campaigns in the 1990s that emphasised pilot loyalty, noting that fleet ecosystems evolve over time. He argued that training capability can scale in parallel with fleet growth in India.

On certification, the company stated that the Superjet holds multi-jurisdictional certification and that its type certificate has previously been validated in India and other countries. Although current validations are suspended due to geopolitical developments, the executive expressed confidence that the aircraft can meet not only Russian and Indian standards but also stringent European requirements. Discussions with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are expected as part of the revalidation process.

When asked about technology transfer to Indian industry, the executive clarified that a previously announced agreement with an Indian aerospace company relates to another product line, not the Superjet programme. However, he emphasised that Russia and India have more than 60 years of cooperation in aviation and defence, including technology transfer in the military domain. He suggested that production expansion and deeper industrial cooperation remain possible as output increases to serve both domestic and international markets.