SuperJet International has announced two follow on Western customers for the SuperJet 100, significantly raising the credibility of the regional jet project.

Alessandro Franzoni, CEO of the Alenia/Sukhoi joint venture created last year to market, complete and support the SuperJet 100 in Western markets, said an established European regional airline, which he did not identify, had signed a firm order for 20 aircraft, for delivery in 2010-12, while Asset Management Advisor (AMA), a Swiss private equity firm, signed on for five more.

AMA President Francesco Guarnieri said his company's new operating lease arm, set up in 2005, had identified five different airlines for its aircraft, which will be handed over in 2011. Four of the clients are European and one Asian. AMA also intends to acquire additional SuperJet 100s for business and VIP applications, Guanieri said.