Superjet 100 gets the convertible cabin

The new layout enables to quickly re-arrange SSJ 100 cabin from all economy 100 seat configuration into a two-class system of 8 business and 85 economy seats (SCAC)

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC), has received a new convertible passenger cabin. Carriers now have the option of operating the aircraft with either a single-class configuration or incorporating an 8-seat business class onto its flights. The first such aircraft is expected to be operated by Yamal Airlines.

“The distinctive feature of the new layout is the ability to quickly change the aircraft’s configuration,” according to an SCAC spokesperson. “There is an all-economy setup of 100 seats and a two-class system of 8 business and 85 economy seats. The development of this new layout will allow the aircraft to reach maximum efficiency in commercial operation of the aircraft. Russian carriers will be presented with the opportunity to use different business models.”

The amount of leg room varies on the new model from between 29 and 34 inches, depending on the row. The new layout also diverges from the original one with the addition of a kitchen module.

SCAC told Russian Aviation Insider that the reconfiguration process in the cabin with the new layout will take up one to three days and will be carried out by any certified organization, which includes many of the model’s existing operators.

The manufacturer announced that the new configuration was proposed by the GTLK State Transport Leasing Company, and developed by the SCAC itself. The interior’s components were supplied by the American company B/E Aerospace and installation is being taken care of by Ulyanovsk-based aviation plant Aviastar-SP.

The GTLK has already received two aircraft in the new layout, and there are plans to deliver the aircraft to Russia’s Yamal Airlines. Yamal is to receive at least six of these new SSJ100s by the end of this year.

This airline already operates three SSJ100s in the 103-seat single-class configuration. In 2015 the operator signed an agreement with the GTLK for the delivery of 25 aircraft of this type, all of which, excluding the three already in the carrier’s fleet, will carry the new cabin layout.

Currently, there are 85 SSJ100s in operation throughout the world.