PIA in talks with Russia to acquire Sukhoi Superjet 100 planes

• Talks between Russian authorities and PIA will continue next year, said Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov.
• The minister affirmed Russia's desire for stronger ties with Pakistan.

Country’s national carrier Pakistan International Airline (PIA) is in talks with Russia to purchase Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) planes.

“We interact directly with PIA. We have agreed that in January we will continue working on it, taking into account the fact that we must work out the destination network together with our colleagues. It concerns the possibility of supplying from six to 16 aircraft,” said Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, quoted RT.

The Russian minister added that talks between the two parties will continue next year.

The Sukhoi SuperJet 100 is the latest Russian twin-engine regional passenger aircraft. It began commercial operations in 2011. The range of the base version is 4,400km with the capacity to seat 98 passengers.

Manturov called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday and reaffirmed his country's desire for stronger ties with Pakistan He briefed the PM on the range of subjects discussed during the 6th session of Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission held earlier during the day. He affirmed Russia's desire for stronger ties with Pakistan and agreed that vast potential exists for enhancing bilateral cooperation in energy, aviation, industry, railways and agriculture sectors.

Meanwhile, PM expressed the hope that the two sides would further enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, oil and gas, mineral sector, metallurgy, railways, aviation, IT, agriculture and education. He highlighted the improved macroeconomic stability and business climate and ease of doing business in Pakistan and noted that there are vast opportunities for the Russian companies.