Russia and Italy have signed a protocol on cooperation to develop the Russian aircraft Sukhoi SuperJet 100.

The protocol was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s working visit to Italy as part of the Russian-Italian fourth summit in Bari.

The document was signed by Russia’s Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and Italy’s Economic Development Minister Pierluigi Bersani.

The Superjet 100 is intended to compete against the Antonov An-148, Embraer E-Jets and the Bombardier CSeries programs.

Sukhoi’s director general Mikhail Pogosyan claims the SSJ will have 10-15% lower operation costs than its Embraer or Bombardier counterparts and its wider cabin will offer more commfort; at the catalogue price of $27.8 mln, it should also be cheaper by 18-22%.

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