MAPO finds a buyer in Peru for Il-103

Published: 6/24/1999

On June 17th 1999, at the Paris Air Show, Peru signed a contract for six Il-103 light aircraft, for training purposes in civilian and military aviation. The first two planes are to be delivered in July 1999, the next two in September 1999, and the remainder in October 1999. According to Mr Moshe Rothschild, Head of the Peruvian delegation, additional deliveries might by possible, if the contract terms are met. The value of the contract, for MAPO's Lukhovitsy Plant (LMZ), the aircraft's producer, was not confirmed, but reported to be in the region of $1m. Given the proposed price tag of $120,000 to $130,000 per aircraft, this suggests that the figure is a little high. While the Il-103 has had the enviable position of being US certified, there are still concerns relating to its performance and, therefore, to its ultimate commercial success. The major issues are those of weight and space, particularly relating to the size of the aircraft's battery, which weighs over 70 kgs and severely limits space in the baggage compartment. According to sources close to the project, these and other problems are yet to be resolved. More generally,the marketing of the aircraft has also been somewhat confused with the bureau and the producer rumoured to have seperately given distribution rights in certain markets to different parties.

Article ID: 626