In the first month of operation Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ) has been standing on the ground for 17 days – reported the representatives of Aeroflot – the largest Russian air line company. New aircraft has made his first regular flight after its transfer to Aeroflot on July, 16. After that due to the problems in air conditioning systems aircraft didn’t fly on 23 June, then from June 29 to July 2, and finally – from 5 to 16 July. The technical problems particular connected with a sensor which, filed false signals of trouble even when air conditioning system properly functioning. This error which has been identified within a 12-day testing doesn’t affect on the safety terms.
Last Saturday (July 16) the plane was again placed in the schedule: during July 17 and 18 it has made six flights. Totally over the month of exploitation Superjet has made 60 flights with total length about 101 hours. Representatives of Aeroflot expressed their disappointment considering these results, as well as dissatisfaction with the fact that the specifications of the new aircraft do not meet the stated performance. In particular, criticism has caused the weight of the aircraft, which is by 3.5 tons more heavy that it should be. In addition, the ship spends on 11 percent more fuel than it is specified in the contract. Due to such shortcomings of the new aircraft Aeroflot can lose about $ 150 million over 10 years.
However, the Suhoi company from the other side expressed bewilderment over such claims. In particular, they point out that another SSJ in April 2011 has been transferred to the Armenian air line company Armavia. The airliner had already made 216 flights (531 flight hours), standing on the ground just for 13 days. And there are no any problems with the operation of the liner: the plane flies not only in Russian cities, but also in Athens, Venice and Rome.
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