While Russia has pinned much of its marketing hopes for the Irkut MC-21-310 on Middle East-based airlines, it also sees the region as a prime target for its VIP variant of the SSJ100 Superjet, the Aurus. Irkut parent company United Aircraft Corporation has brought one of the new bizliners to Dubai to let attendees see for themselves. Equipped with an additional fuel system that increases the VIP Superjet’s range up to 3,888 nm, the Aurus features a Russian designed and installed interior and a package of options for further enhancements to what Irkut calls a “comfortable cabin.”

While the MC-21 continues its certification campaign, the co-promotion of both programs in Dubai “is aimed at strengthening positions” of the company in the civil aviation market, Irkut said.