Interjet, the Western launch customer for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100), has converted its five options into firm orders (nominally valued at $175 million), bringing its total acquisition to 20 of the basic 93-passenger model.

Airframe manufacturer Sukhoi is scheduled to deliver the Mexican low-cost operator’s first SSJ100 to Russo-Italian joint-venture marketing company Superjet International (SJI) in Venice next month for completion, customization and handover by year-end.

Meanwhile, SJI has signed a memorandum of understanding with Interjet under which its Toluca facility will be appointed an authorized service center for in-house and third-party SSJ100 line and base maintenance. The Interjet SSJ100 fleet is covered by a 10-year SuperCare after-sales support agreement. The Mexican carrier's president Aleman Velasco said that he intends to add options for 10 more aircraft by the end of this year.