Sukhoi is discussing production of sport airplanes in Yerevan

Published: 3/31/2000

Representatives of the Russian design office of Sukhoi have arrived in Yerevan in Armenia to discuss production of sport aircraft at the site of Hrazdanmash. According to Razmik Dovlatyan, head of the department for special programme management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the representatives plan to spend some time visiting the company and assessing production capacities. Sukhoi currently has two sports aircraft in production: the Su-29 and the Su-31. In 1999, Mikhail Simonov, chief designer of Sukhoi, visited Armenia with a view to starting construction of the sport aircraft. At present, discussions are thought to be focusing on the creation of a joint venture, with the majority shares held by the Russians. According to the agreement, the Armenians will provide industrial premises and tax exemptions. According to a report from the Russian news agency, Interfax, last May, Hovannes Ohanian, an Armenian senior executive at Sukhoi has claimed that the firm may begin manufacturing light sport aircraft in Armenia, provided that a tax exemption agreement is reached with the Armenian government. He also said that Sukhoi wants the present, three-year exemption from profit tax for foreign companies extended to five years. If this is granted, Sukhoi could invest around $7m in Armenian production facilities. www.concise.org 18th May 1999: Sukhoi looking at new production site

Article ID: 1629