Delta-K seems unlikely customer

Published: 3/21/2000

Regional carrier negotiating to buy 26 S-80s/Delta-K, a small regional carrier, may be the next customer for the S-80 twin turboprop multipurpose aircraft, the prototype of which is about to start trials in Moscow. The chief designer of the Sukhoi, Gennady Litinov, is reported to have said that the carrier had potential demand for 26 of this type and the bureau was currently negotiating to obtain prepayment for the $5.5-6 m aircraft to be produced at KnAPPO. If this order actually materialises, the PR people at Sukhoi should perhaps be informed, as they had no knowledge of the order when asked. Delta-K also seems an unlikely buyer, given that it is reported currently to operate a very small fleet of five helicopters and three An-2s, from its base in Neryungi, Yakutia. Although it seems improbable that such an order would come to fruition, the area in which Delta-K operates does contain some interesting mineral wealth and the companies that exploit them and are often closely associated with the regional airlines. Another regional carrier closely associated with the diamond mining industry recently ordered and paid for An-38s, after it visited the region. According to Litinov, there is customer interest in 50 aircraft and deals are currently being negotiated, including a potential contract with Libya, the perennial customer of Russian regional twin turboprops, which has previously been associated with the production of the MiG-110.

Article ID: 1710