Thales gets $125-m avionics deal for Sukhoi-Boeing civil airliner program

LE BOURGET, France, June 13 (RIA Novosti). Russian aircraft producer Sukhoi signed a $125-million avionics contract with French company Thales, Sukhoi CEO Mikhail Pogosyan told RIA Novosti. The contract will be part of the Boeing-supported Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) airliner program, he said.

"Today's signing of the contract is a new chapter in our relations with Thales. Thales will make the avionics for the RRJ cockpit we are demonstrating at Le Bourget for the first time," said the CEO of the company known for its Flanker fighters.

Financially, RRJ is a very healthy project, he said. According to him, large Russian banks have already lined up to fund the development and insure financial risks.

"I am absolutely sure that all necessary funds will be provided. We have secured government support until 2012, and we have our own resources as well. Within the Russian national civilian airliner program, RRJ is a priority project," the Sukhoi CEO said.

The first 95-seater RRJ will take to the air in 2007, a 75-seater will follow, and from 2009 both versions are to be available commercially. There are plans for around 800 airliners.

A Russian made Sukhoi 27 jet fighter is pulled to the runway for its demonstration flight on the opening day of the 46th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airport, north of Paris, Monday June 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)