ROME --- Finmeccanica and Sukhoi Aviation Holding, and their respective subsidiaries Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), have signed an agreement establishing a strategic partnership on the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) programme.
The RRJ programme involves the design, development, production and marketing of a family of new generation regional jets with 75-100 seats, as well as technical support.
Under the agreement, Alenia Aeronautica will acquire a 25% stake plus one share in SCAC (subject to Russian government approval) and a corresponding financial stake in the development of the RRJ programme.
The programme of co-operation between the two companies is the result of a process begun in August 2005 when a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Russian federal agency for industry, Sukhoi Aviation Holding Co, Finmeccanica and Alenia Aeronautica at the MAKS 2005 air show in Moscow.
With the aim of furthering the prospects of the RRJ on the European and US markets, the programme partners will set up a joint venture based in Europe, to look after the legal aspects of sales and technical support for the new aircraft. In addition, Alenia Aeronautica will contribute to the development of the RRJ programme through its own team of technical experts based in Russia. Alenia’s team will produce components and systems using advanced materials, handle the certification of aircraft under European standards and manage aspects such as purchasing, sales and technical support for airlines.
The agreement represents both an important step in the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between the two companies and the most significant industrial programme involving Italy and Russia in the civil aviation sector.
Finmeccanica is Italy’s leading high-tech company, operating in the design and manufacture of helicopters, aerostructures, satellites, space infrastructure, missiles and defence electronics. It plays a leading role in the European aerospace and defence industry, and participates in some of the biggest international programmes in the sector through well-established alliances with European and American partners. It employs around 57,000 staff in total.
As part of its drive to maintain and build on its technological expertise, Finmeccanica spends 15% of its revenues on research and development.
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Alenia Aeronautica and SCAC sign Russian Regional Jet Agreement in Moscow
