EASA experts started inspections of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 at Blagnac airport in Toulouse – as part of validation of IAC AR Type Certificate procedure.

During the inspections, the compliance of the systems and airframe of the aircraft SN 97005 with EASA requirements is to be checked. EASA launched the check activities on June 27, 2011 and will continue the inspections until July 10, 2011. A total of 15 flights will be performed with participation of EASA pilots in order to accomplish the required tests.

"EASA certification is a top priority milestone for the entire SSJ100 program and partners. We look forward to continuing the successful collaboration with EASA and will certainly do our best to receive EASA certificate, having in mind that in 2012 SuperJet International is going to start the deliveries to the Mexican customer – Interjet airlines. I'm sure that the European certification will boost the SSJ100 backlog growth in the international markets" – said JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft First Vice-President for design and certification Igor Vinogradov.