Sukhoi Civil Aircraft plans to offer a 120-seat version of the Superjet (SSJ) by stretching the center of the fuselage and using larger wings.

The Russian manufacturer will begin marketing the new derivative next year, with an entry into service target of the beginning of 2020.

Currently Sukhoi offers the 98-seat SSJ100, but speaking at the European Regions Airline Association General Assembly in Madrid, Superjet International CEO Nazario Cauceglia said Sukhoi is planning a stretch version with 22 more seats.

“We will add 22 more seats to reach 120,” Cauceglia said. “We will redesign the central part of the fuselage to make it longer. We want to keep the core as common as possible.”

It will have a larger wing, although the rear of the aircraft—including the control surfaces—and the engines will remain the same.

Sukhoi has no plans to go down the size spectrum with the SSJ family. “Our perspective is to stay within 90-120 seats,” Cauceglia said.

Since the start of the SSJ program, the market has undergone a real shift toward larger aircraft, he explained.

Victoria Moores victoria.moores@penton.com