United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is ready to consider the possibility of participation of French companies in production of a new stretched version of Sukhoi SuperJet 100 (SSJ 100), Prime reports with reference to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Andrei Boginsky.

Sukhoi SuperJet 100 (SSJ 100) is the Russian short-haul passenger aircraft. The liner performed its maiden flight in May 2008; it was put into operation in 2011. Aeroflot is the largest operator of SSJ 100 aircraft. SaM146 engines for SSJ 100 liners were developed by PowerJet (joint venture between Safran Group (France) and NPO Saturn (Russia)).

“In case the stretched version of (Sukhoi SuperJet) is going to be developed. In theory, if French companies are willing to enter Russian market and launch development and production in Russia, we are going to consider this possibility,” Boginsky said. “We are open to everyone,” he added.

Speaking of expectations for Le Bourget airshow he said that many Russian companies were going to take part in it, but there was no “extraordinary” things. “Most agreements will be signed at MAKS airshow,” he noted.

At that “Russian hour” event was held at Le Bourget.

“Major goal for us was to show that Russian companies are ready to be suppliers, among others, for Western and Eastern companies. For example, Irkutsk Aviation Plant manufactures landing gear compartment for A320 Family aircraft, and the output increases. So other companies, not only the ones manufacturing final products, but also their suppliers, are ready to become suppliers of the world’s leading companies,” the Deputy Minister said.