The history of Mexican Interjet with its Sukhoi SSJ-100 aircraft continues. The company has 22 aircraft of this model in its fleet, but something is not happening according to the company's agreement with the manufacturer.
In recently released data, the company stated that four SSJ100 aircraft are used on its commercial flights, but the company has 22 aircraft of this model in its fleet.
While paying for the other 18 aircraft, they remain grounded at Toluca International Airport, and those planes that are unable to fly due to various SSJ-100 defects and post-production upgrades are now used to supply parts to the existing fleet.
“The operational delivery process of spare parts for the Mexican airline is affected by Interjet's own systematic payment delays to spare parts suppliers, including the engine manufacturer”, Sukhoi said in a note.
The company is currently studying to replace these aircraft with new aircraft from the A320neo family, but its complicated financial situation also demonstrates that replacing these aircraft will not be an easy task.
The SSJ100 has contributed to the company's problems over the years. Forced to stop operating the planes due to lack of maintenance parts, the company had to cancel thousands of flights, and lost a lot of cash, while others grew in the same market.
Each SSJ100 cost the airline at least $31,7 million. The savings on the purchase likely indicated its cost in keeping the aircraft in the fleet.
