28
Thu, Mar
51 New Articles

Goltsblat BLP Advises on First Delivery of Sukhoi Superjets to European Airline

Russia
Tools
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Goltsblat BLP, the Russian Practice of Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), has — jointly with BLP — advised Irish regional airline CityJet on negotiating a framework agreement for delivery of 15 firm and 16 optional aircraft, including leasing documentation and engine and airframe support services agreements. The contract value of the deal is more than USD 1 billion, including options and aftersales services.

Founded in 1993, CityJet operates a network of routes primarily from London City Airport in addition to wet-lease services on behalf of European airline customers and a substantial charter business. It employs 670 staff at bases in Finland, France, Ireland, Sweden, and the UK, and operates a fleet of 18 Avro RJ85s and eight Bombardier CRJ900s.

According to Goltsblat BLP, “this is an important milestone for CityJet in expanding its fleet and a ground-breaking transaction for Sukhoi, as CityJet becomes the first Western European Airline to take delivery of a SuperJet. The new generation jet will fulfil CityJet’s requirements for operating from airports in Europe, including London’s City Airport, and offer significant advantages in fuel efficiency, emission ratings and noise reduction."

The first Sukhoi Superjet aircraft were delivered on June 3, 2016 in Venice, Italy, at the headquarters of SuperJet International. The airline expects to receive three SSJ100s this year and the rest from 2017 onwards. Superjet International configured the CityJet aircraft in a 98-seat cabin layout with the interior designed by Italy’s Pininfarina. 

Andrey Goltsblat, Managing Partner of Goltsblat BLP, commented that: "We are very proud to advise such a reputable operator as CityJet. This is strategic deal for both CityJet and Sukhoi SuperJet and our international team was pleased to be part of it.”

Goltsblat BLP Partner Oleg Khokhlov added: “This deal highlights the achievements of Sukhoi SuperJet in the international arena and we hope that other international airlines and leasing companies will follow. We were very pleased to work for CityJet and to demonstrate our international capabilities.”

The Goltsblat BLP team in Moscow consisted of Partner Oleg Khokhlov and Associate Dmitry Ionov. The BLP team consisted of Consultants Tom Budgett and Rebecca Quayle, who led the transaction, assisted by Senior Associate Marina Litvak and Associate Deborah Boddy, as well as members of "BLP’s Preferred Network" in Switzerland and Italy.

Image Source: www.scac.ru

Our Latest Issue