MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) — "The aircraft is currently undergoing tests, and we will be ready to supply the Mexican market with it starting from 2021," Denis Manturov said Monday delivering a speech amid the session of the Russia-Mexico Trade and Industry Dialogue in the Mexico City.
Manturov added that Russia would also deliver eight Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) planes to Mexico’s Interjet airline during the year.
"We will additionally deliver eight more aircraft over the course of the year," Minister told reporters.
#MC21 aircraft made first flight from the airfield of Irkutsk to Zhukovsky airport on Oct 17. @UAC_Russia_eng Source: Irkut Corporation pic.twitter.com/g1OS6NeGSB
— Irkut MC-21 (@Irkut_MC21) 18 октября 2017 г.
The MC-21 is a twin-engine short- and mid-range airliner with a capacity for 150-211 passengers. The plane was developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau and will be produced by the Irkut Corporation, both of which are subsidiaries of United Aircraft Corporation.
Aviastar-SP installed an interior on the 80th Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft pic.twitter.com/QaetlPUWfC
— UAC Russia (@UAC_Russia_eng) 5 октября 2017 г.
The SSJ100 is a twin-engine plane made by Russia's Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company. It can transport up to 98 passengers and fly distances of up to 2,730 miles. The jet made its maiden flight in May 2008.
The president of the Management Board of the Mexican airline Interjet Miguel Aleman Velasco said earlier that the company was interested in purchasing the Russian MC-21 aircraft.
Mexico Could Launch the Production of Russian Helicopters
Denis Manturov also commented on the possible assemblance of the Russian helicopters in Mexico in the near future.
"In the morning we met with the Mexican defense minister and were provided with a hint — to consider an opportunity of production of helicopters in Mexico, counting on the market of Latin America… We will analyze it… it is very well-timed in order to expand the opportunities of development of the Latin American markets," Manturov told reporters on Monday following his participation in the session of the Russia-Mexico Trade and Industry Dialogue in the Mexico City.
Denis Manturov is currently in the Latin American country along with a business delegation from Russia. The official has participated in a number events in Mexico, such as a business forum in San Luis Potosi and the Russia-Mexico Trade and Industry Dialogue. After Mexico, Manturov will also visit Paraguay and Colombia.
