- Sukhoi SSJ 100-95s withdrawn by Aeroflot
- Mexico’s Interjet also grounds 22 aircraft
- Implications unclear for Cityjet’s newer SSJ 100
In a move that could have implications for Cityjet, Aeroflot has withdrawn six of its older Sukhoi SSJ 100-95s from commercial service following a directive from Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency.
The order also affects one SuperJet in service with IrAero. It was issued over alleged defects in parts of the aircraft’s horizontal stabiliser.
Interfax reports that cracks in the lugs of the stabilisers’ lower and upper bracket attachment bands were originally discovered by IrAero. Rosaviatsiya issued an airworthiness directive requiring all current operators to conduct tests on the brackets securing the stabiliser’s hinge zones.
Mexico’s Interjet which operates 22 older SuperJets, has said it will comply with the directive and that customers may be affected as aircraft are withdrawn from service for inspection.
Swords-based Cityjet expect that its newer model Sukhoi Superjets will eventually replace its ageing BAe146s.All of their aircdraft are newer models than those affected by the directive
Cityjet signed a US$1bn deal in 2015 for 15 Superjets with an option to purchase more. Four of these have been delivered.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft issued a statement confirming the finding and noting that the requisite design, production and technical resources are available to solve the issue. It said: “operators will be sent further instructions and recommendations to prevent the appearance of such defects during the course of continued operations.”
