Russian officials showcased a new bizliner version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ), the Aurus, during the recent Dubai Airshow, saying the aircraft's competitive pricing should draw steady demand.

Sergei Chemezov, head of the Rostec state corporation, said prices for the Aurus will vary from $39 million to $50 million, depending on the configuration, significantly cheaper than other major bizliners.

So far, interest in the new business jet has been expressed by representatives of some large Russian companies and business leaders. Russian analysts believe the new business jet will be in high demand at least in the local market, mainly due to its domestic origin.

The Aurus has a range of more than 7,000 km (3,800 nm), Chemezov said. Cruise speed is 830 km/h (about 448 knots) and top speed is 950 km/h (513 knots). Maximum takeoff weight of the 98-foot-long aircraft, meanwhile, is 49,450 kg (109,000 pounds). Its cabin spans 20.48 meters (67 feet).

Anna Serejkina, executive director of the Russian Business Aviation Association, told AIN that since the SSJ has already been operated by Russian domestic airlines, she expects the Aurus to have easier market entrance as a Russian-made aircraft that does not need to be imported. 

“It can fly freely throughout the country without restrictions on changing loads and approvals,” Serejkina said, adding that the “long-range, taking into account Russia’s territory, is a big plus.”