Commercial Aviation
Russia’s SJ-100 Passes Key Water Ingestion Test for PD-8 Engines
Russia’s SJ-100 aircraft passed critical water ingestion tests with PD-8 engines, marking progress toward aerospace independence and certification by 2025.
Russia’s SJ-100: A Leap Towards Aviation Sovereignty with Successful Engine Tests
In the high-stakes world of civil aviation, the path from design to commercial flight is paved with rigorous testing. For Russia’s SJ-100 Commercial-Aircraft, a recent milestone marks a significant stride forward in its national ambition to achieve technological independence in the aerospace sector. The aircraft, powered by the newly developed, domestically produced PD-8 engines, has successfully passed a critical water ingestion test. This isn’t just a routine check; it’s a validation of Russia’s capability to build a reliable, modern regional jet using its own technology, a crucial goal in light of international sanctions that have restricted access to foreign components and systems.
The SJ-100, formerly known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, has been systematically re-engineered to replace imported parts with domestic alternatives. The “heart” of this transformation is the PD-8 engine, a product of the United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Rostec corporation. The successful completion of the water ingestion trials confirms that the aircraft’s propulsion system can withstand adverse weather conditions, such as operating on rain-flooded runways, without compromising safety or performance. This achievement moves the SJ-100 closer to full certification and, ultimately, to serial production, underpinning a broader strategy to revitalize Russia’s civil aviation manufacturing industry and ensure its long-term self-sufficiency.
The “Water Pool” Gauntlet: Proving Engine Resilience
To certify an aircraft for commercial use, Manufacturers must prove its systems can endure a wide range of environmental challenges. The water ingestion test is one of the most demanding of these trials. It is designed to simulate real-world scenarios like landing or taking off during a torrential downpour, where large amounts of water can be kicked up from the runway surface and drawn into the engines. Failure in such a scenario could lead to engine flameout or catastrophic damage, making this test a non-negotiable hurdle in the certification process.
The tests for the SJ-100 were conducted at the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. A specially constructed basin, described as a “water pool” measuring over 70 meters long and 12 meters wide, was built on the runway. The test aircraft, numbered 97023, performed a series of high-speed runs through this pool to mimic the conditions of takeoff and landing in heavy rain. During these runs, the engines, as well as the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU), were subjected to massive water spray. The trials also included the operation of the PD-8’s thrust reversers, which are used to help slow the aircraft upon landing and can exacerbate water ingestion.
The outcome was a resounding success. Officials confirmed that the ingestion of water did not negatively impact the operation of the PD-8 engines or the APU. According to Vadim Shirokih, the Chief of the Yakovlev Regional Aircraft Flight-Test Complex, the tests verified that water “does not interfere with the operation of the aircraft’s engines or auxiliary power unit.” This result provides critical data affirming the engine’s robust design and its readiness for all-weather operations, a key requirement for any commercial airliner.
“The PD-8 engines, developed by United Engine Corporation using advanced domestic technologies, showed stable and reliable performance during the ‘water pool’ tests, guaranteeing passenger safety under all weather conditions.” – Fedor Mironov, Deputy Director for Sales at UEC.
The PD-8 Engine: The Core of Russia’s Import Substitution Strategy
The development of the PD-8 engine is the centerpiece of the SJ-100’s import substitution program. The original Superjet 100 was powered by SaM146 engines, a joint venture between a French and a Russian company. Sanctions made continued reliance on this partnership untenable, forcing an accelerated push for a fully domestic powerplant. The PD-8 was developed by leveraging technologies from the larger PD-14 engine, which powers Russia’s MC-21 medium-range airliner. This approach allowed engineers to fast-track development while incorporating proven, modern design principles.
The engine is a testament to Russia’s advancements in materials science and aerospace engineering. It incorporates new Russian-developed alloys and features a fully domestic electronic control system, breaking free from dependence on foreign-supplied components. Its technical specifications are competitive, with a bypass ratio of 4.4 and a specific fuel consumption in cruise mode below 0.62 kg/kgf·h, indicating a focus on efficiency. The versatility of the PD-8 design is also notable, as engineers are adapting it for use on the Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft, a platform that operates in even more demanding water-based environments.
The successful water test is just one of several milestones the SJ-100 has recently achieved. The aircraft has undergone stability and controllability checks at high speeds, evaluations of its integrated control system in extreme flight attitudes, and testing of the PD-8’s thrust reversers. This comprehensive testing program is paving the way for the aircraft’s final Certification, which is anticipated by the end of 2025, with mass production slated to begin in 2026.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Russian Civil Aviation
The successful water ingestion tests of the SJ-100’s PD-8 engines are more than just a technical achievement, they represent a pivotal moment in Russia’s quest for a sovereign and competitive civil aviation industry. By proving the reliability of its homegrown engine technology under harsh conditions, Russia has cleared a major obstacle on the path to deploying a fully domestic regional jet. This progress is a direct result of a focused national strategy to overcome the limitations imposed by international sanctions and rebuild its industrial capabilities from the ground up.
Looking ahead, the SJ-100 program is a cornerstone of a larger plan to manufacture over 600 domestic aircraft by 2030, replacing an aging fleet of Western-built planes. The establishment of 15 dedicated service centers is also planned to support this new fleet, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for maintenance and spare parts. The journey is far from over, but the steady progress of the SJ-100, marked by milestones like this successful test, signals a clear trajectory toward reviving large-scale domestic aircraft manufacturing and securing Russia’s place in the global aerospace landscape on its own terms.
FAQ
Question: What is the SJ-100 aircraft?
Answer: The SJ-100 is a regional jet developed in Europe, previously known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100. It has been re-engineered with domestically produced components, including the new PD-8 engines, as part of Russia’s import substitution program.
Question: Why was the water ingestion test so important?
Answer: This test is a mandatory certification requirement for all commercial aircraft. It ensures the engines can operate safely and reliably during heavy rain or on waterlogged runways, preventing potential failures that could jeopardize passenger Safety.
Question: What is the PD-8 engine?
Answer: The PD-8 is a modern turbofan engine developed entirely in Russia by the United Engine Corporation (a part of Rostec). It was designed to replace the foreign-made engines on the original Superjet 100 and is a key element of Russia’s strategy to achieve technological sovereignty in its aviation sector.
Question: When is the SJ-100 expected to enter mass production?
Answer: Following the completion of all certification tests, mass production of the SJ-100 is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: RuAviation
Commercial Aviation
Finnair Selects SES for Multi-Orbit IFC on E195-E2 Fleet
Finnair picks SES to deliver multi-orbit in-flight connectivity on 18 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with deliveries from Q3 2027.
Finnair (AY) has selected Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES to provide multi-orbit in-flight connectivity (IFC) for its incoming fleet of 18 Embraer E195-E2 regional jets, aiming to replicate ground-based internet speeds for passengers.
Announced in a press release on November 2, 2026, the agreement highlights a broader aviation industry transition toward hybrid satellite networks that combine Geostationary (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity. The electronically steered array antennas (ESA) will be line-fitted directly at Embraer’s manufacturing facilities before the aircraft enter service on Finnair’s European and domestic routes.
Integrating multi-orbit satellite networks
The inflight connectivity market is increasingly shifting toward multi-orbit solutions. These systems combine the high bandwidth capacity of traditional GEO satellites, which are effective for managing dense traffic over busy aviation hubs, with the low latency provided by LEO networks, which orbit closer to Earth and enable real-time applications.
For this deployment, SES is partnering with Eutelsat Group, which acquired the OneWeb LEO constellation, to deliver the low-latency component of the service. The hardware enabling this hybrid connection is the SES electronically steered array antenna. By opting for line-fit installation at the Embraer factory, Finnair ensures the aircraft arrive ready for connected service, bypassing the need for aftermarket modifications.
Simon Large, Chief Customer Officer at Finnair, stated that customer needs drive the airline’s decisions and that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the overall travel experience.
“We are excited to partner with SES to bring a home-like broadband experience to our customers,” Large said.
Blane Boynton, Senior Vice President Aviation at SES, noted that inflight Wi-Fi has become a core part of the travel experience.
“SES’s multi-orbit network delivers the reliability, performance and flexibility airlines need today while providing a clear path for future growth. This agreement is another testament to the growing confidence leading airlines are placing in our solution,” Boynton said.
Thierry Polycarpe, Vice President for Aviation and Maritime at Eutelsat, added that the high-speed, low-latency network supports real-time applications and complements GEO coverage to deliver a resilient connection.
Finnair’s narrowbody fleet renewal program
The connectivity agreement follows Finnair’s March 23, 2026, announcement of a comprehensive narrowbody fleet renewal program. The cornerstone of this initiative is a firm order for 18 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, supplemented by 16 options and 12 purchase rights.
These aircraft will be operated by Finnair’s partner, Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra). They are slated to serve regional traffic to and from Finland, acting as a critical feeder network for Finnair’s long-haul operations out of Helsinki Airport (HEL).
Finnair has specified a 134-seat configuration for the E195-E2 fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2027. According to Finnair’s initial fleet renewal announcement, the airline expects to receive three aircraft in 2027, six in 2028, and six in 2029. The delivery timeline for the remaining three firm orders has not been explicitly detailed by the airline.
The carrier has been actively preparing for the introduction of the new type. In its third-quarter 2026 interim report, released on October 27, 2026, Finnair confirmed that preparations are underway to take delivery of the first E195-E2 next year. This follows a strong second quarter in which the airline reported a 16.4 percent increase in revenue, reaching 916.7 million euros.
AirPro News analysis
We view Finnair’s decision to line-fit the SES electronically steered array antenna directly at the Embraer factory as a significant operational advantage. Factory installation eliminates the need for post-delivery modifications, reducing aircraft downtime and accelerating the entry into revenue service. Furthermore, the selection of a multi-orbit solution underscores a growing consensus among European operators that legacy GEO-only networks are no longer sufficient to meet passenger expectations for streaming and low-latency applications. By leveraging Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO constellation alongside SES’s established GEO assets, Finnair is effectively future-proofing the passenger experience on its regional feeder network.
Photo Credit: SES
Commercial Aviation
Emirates A350 to Durban From March 2027 With Premium Economy
Emirates introduces the Airbus A350 on its Dubai-Durban route from March 1, 2027, completing its Premium Economy rollout in South Africa.
Emirates will deploy its new Airbus A350 on the daily route between Dubai and Durban starting March 1, 2027, bringing the carrier’s Premium Economy cabin to the South African city for the first time.
The equipment change on flights EK 775 and EK 776 to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) completes the rollout of the airline’s Premium Economy product across all three of its South African gateways. The route upgrade was detailed in an October 30, 2026, press release from the Dubai-based carrier.
Premium Economy product and cabin specifications
The introduction of the Airbus A350 to the Durban route will provide passengers with Emirates’ newest seating products and inflight amenities. Passengers traveling in the Premium Economy cabin will receive a checked baggage allowance of 35kg and a carry-on allowance of 10kg.
The cabin features the airline’s electrically powered Premium Economy seat, which was officially unveiled on September 3, 2026. The seat design includes a full-height adjustable privacy screen, integrated wireless charging capabilities, and a cradle recline position. For inflight entertainment, the Premium Economy cabin is equipped with 13.3-inch personal screens connected to the upgraded Emirates ice system, which offers over 6,500 channels.
There is a discrepancy in the published seating layout for the new aircraft. The October 30, 2026, press release announcing the Durban deployment describes the Premium Economy cabin in a 2-4-2 configuration. However, earlier official specifications released by Emirates in September 2026 for the 28-seat A350 Premium Economy cabin indicated a 2-3-2 layout.
Afzal Parambil, Regional Manager for Southern Africa at Emirates, highlighted the passenger experience upgrades associated with the new aircraft.
“We look forward to welcoming travellers from Durban onboard the A350 in the new year, where they can experience elevated onboard amenities and Emirates’ signature service that make this aircraft a passenger favourite.”
South African market strategy and passenger demand
The expansion of Premium Economy to Durban follows the product’s initial South African launch in Cape Town and Johannesburg in September 2025. According to Emirates, the cabin has generated consistently high demand and healthy load factors from both leisure and corporate travelers since its introduction to the region.
The Durban market presents a specific traffic profile for the airline. A significant portion of the international traffic departing from King Shaka International Airport consists of passengers visiting friends and family. These travelers primarily connect through Dubai International Airport (DXB) to onward destinations in Thailand, Indonesia, India, France, and the UK.
“The deployment also reflects our broader commitment to Africa, with all our gateways now offering the latest inflight experience. South Africa remains an anchor of our African network, with some of the busiest gateways globally, and we are committed to continually enhancing the travel experience for our customers by providing them with more choice, connectivity and comfort.”
Emirates’ Airbus A350 fleet integration
The deployment of the Airbus A350 to Durban is part of a broader fleet diversification strategy for Emirates. Historically, the carrier has operated an all-widebody fleet consisting exclusively of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. The introduction of the A350 allows the airline to serve mid-sized markets efficiently while offering its latest generation of cabin products.
Emirates holds orders for 73 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2031. The airline took delivery of its first A350 on November 25, 2024, and placed the aircraft into commercial service in January 2025 on the Dubai-Edinburgh route.
The Durban announcement follows closely on another regional equipment change. On October 22, 2026, Emirates announced it would deploy the A350 to Mauritius starting November 1, 2026, replacing the Boeing 777 on the daily EK709 and EK710 service.
Photo Credit: Emirates
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boeing and Icelease Agree on Up to Three 767-300BCF Aircraft
Icelease signs for up to three Boeing 767-300BCF aircraft, with conversions at ST Engineering Singapore starting Q1 2027.
The Boeing Company and aircraft lessor Icelease have finalized an agreement for up to three Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft, marking the leasing firm’s expansion into the medium widebody cargo market.
Announced in a press release on November 2, 2026, the transaction includes one firm order and options for two additional conversions. The aircraft will join the managed cargo portfolio of IAT Leasing, a Dublin-based sister company to Icelease.
Conversion timeline and operational details
The formal signing ceremony for the agreement took place on October 22, 2026, during the Cargo Facts Symposium. The physical conversion work will be executed at ST Engineering’s airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities located in Singapore.
Induction of the first Boeing 767-300 aircraft for conversion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Delivery of the completed Boeing 767-300BCF to Icelease and IAT Leasing is expected to follow in the second quarter of 2027. The Boeing Converted Freighter programs are managed by The Boeing Company’s Global Services division.
Lindsey Douglas, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance and Digital Services at The Boeing Company, stated that the agreement underlines the continued collaboration between the two companies to meet global cargo demand.
Sigthor Einarsson, Managing Partner at Icelease, noted the strategic importance of the deal for the lessor’s broader fleet strategy.
“This agreement with Boeing to convert up to three Boeing 767 aircraft marks an important milestone for both Icelease and its Dublin-based sister company IAT Leasing,” Einarsson said.
Icelease and IAT Leasing’s growing cargo portfolio
The Boeing 767-300BCF order builds upon an established relationship between the manufacturer and the lessor. Icelease, an aircraft leasing company with a 21-year history, specializes in aircraft acquisitions, leasing, operations, finance, and investor relations. The firm was originally formed as a spinoff from Icelandair in 2005.
On November 14, 2021, Icelease placed an order for 11 Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (737-800BCF) aircraft during the Dubai Airshow. That order established Icelease as the launch customer for a new conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO facility.
The newly ordered widebody freighters will be managed by IAT Leasing. Incorporated in late 2023, IAT Leasing is owned by four equity partners. The Dublin-based entity has rapidly built a portfolio of approximately 40 narrowbody and widebody passenger and Cargo aircraft, which are leased to operators globally. The company’s current managed cargo portfolio already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft.
“The history between Icelease and Boeing dates over 20 years and includes a multitude of new aircraft deliveries as well as cargo conversions,” Einarsson said. “The Boeing 767-300BCF will join the growing managed cargo aircraft portfolio of IAT Leasing, which already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF and other freighters leased to various customers.”
Widebody freighter market outlook
The Boeing 767-300BCF is positioned to serve regional and long-haul cargo networks as a highly efficient medium widebody converted freighter. The aircraft offers a payload capacity of 57 tonnes and a maximum range of 3,300 nautical miles.
The Icelease order aligns with broader industry forecasts regarding long-term air cargo growth. On October 28, 2026, The Boeing Company released projections indicating that the global freighter fleet will exceed 4,000 airplanes by 2045. The manufacturer anticipates that air cargo traffic will double over the same period, providing a sustained demand environment for passenger-to-freighter conversion programs across both narrowbody and widebody platforms.
AirPro News analysis
We view Icelease’s transition from narrowbody to medium widebody conversions as a natural progression for lessors seeking to capture higher-yield cargo segments. While the Boeing 737-800BCF serves domestic and regional express networks effectively, the Boeing 767-300BCF provides the volume and range necessary for intercontinental e-commerce flows. By securing conversion slots at ST Engineering for 2027, Icelease and IAT Leasing are positioning their portfolio to absorb capacity demands as older widebody freighters face retirement toward the end of the decade. The decision to allocate these assets to the recently formed IAT Leasing also highlights the robust investor appetite for dedicated freighter leasing vehicles.
Photo Credit: Boeing
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