IrAero starts commercial operation of SSJ 100

IrAero is the fifth oerator of the type (Photo by IrAero)

Irlutsk-based IrAero Airlines has started commercial operation of Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) aircraft after a period of uncertainty due to bureaucratic hurdles.

The carrier’s SSJ100 operated its first flight Irkutsk – Omsk – Sochi on July 26, according to a statement released by Irkutsk Airport.

IrAero has got four of the Russian-built aircraft in its fleet (tail numbers RA-89001, RA-89002, RA-89008 and RA-89010), leased from State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK). “Three aircraft have already arrived at our base airport in Irkutsk. They will be operated on domestic routes and on flights from Irkutsk to China,” IrAero’s representative Oksana Antipova told Russian Aviation Insider.

All of the SSJ 100s in IrAero’s fleet were previously operated by Red Wings. IrAero was able to start operating the aircraft four weeks after the Federal Air Transport Service  stopped Red Wings’ operation of the type over inspection findings.