Russian Aircraft “Sukhoi Superjet-100”: Position in Russian and Global Markets

Abstract

Sukhoi Superjet-100 (SSJ-100) is a Russian short-haul narrow-body passenger aircraft developed by “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft” Company with the participation of some foreign companies (whose contribution to the value of the aircraft reaches, according to some estimates, 70%). The aircraft was commissioned in 2011, and after over 10 years of serial production, about 200 aircraft were produced. Initially, the aircraft was intended for sale in both foreign and domestic markets. The purpose of this study is to assess the position of the SSJ-100 aircraft in the Russian and world markets over the past decade (2011–2021). Based on the use of methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as comparative analysis, the authors came to the following conclusions. The share of SSJ-100 in domestic traffic performed on all civilian regional aircraft has been steadily increasing since the start of its operation and is currently about 51% (2019 data). Dominance in the domestic market was achieved largely due to non-market factors (government subsidies for purchases, artificial support for demand, discounts on rental payments). In the foreign market, the Russian SSJ-100 failed to take a strong position. Among the main reasons are technical problems and low reliability of aircraft, interruptions in the supply of spare parts, as well as intense competition with Brazilian Embraer and Canadian Bombardier. Preferences for potential foreign buyers (in particular, dumping prices and preferential terms for financing purchases) could not turn the tide. In total, about 35 aircraft were sold abroad (transferred to civil operators). In 2019, the Mexican Interjet was the last of its foreign customers to refuse purchases of the SSJ-100. According to the authors, the failures of the SSJ-100 with the entry and consolidation in foreign markets are mainly associated with the prevalence of non-market mechanisms in production and sales. And if this works in the domestic market, then in the foreign market, in conditions of intense competition, such a strategy does not lead to positive results.