Russia explores re-engining Superjet 100 with domestic PD-8 engine to extend fleet life
Modification to retrofit recently-certified domestic powerplant viewed as option to keep original jets in service. Certification of the Russian-built Aviadvigatel PD-8 powerplant has left open the question as to whether operators of the Yakovlev — formerly Sukhoi — Superjet 100 can opt to re-engine the type. The PD-8 has been developed for the import-substituted SJ-100. But the Russian ministry of industry and trade has been planning to research the feasibility of replacing the foreign-supplied PowerJet SaM146 engines on in-service Superjets with the domestic PD-8. Russian business publication Kommersant claims United Aircraft estimates that 50 Superjets — about a third of the fleet — could be re-engined, and puts the total cost of the work at Rb115 billion ($1.5 billion). Citing unnamed sources, it says the industry ministry will cover half the cost with initial engine replacements in late 2029. But Russian media including Interfax are quoting industry minister Anton Alikhanov as saying that the number of Superjets which will undergo engine replacement has not been determined. Alikhanov, who spoke to reporters at the Innoprom 2026 event in Ekaterinburg, said United Aircraft and the airline operators would "need to develop a financial model" for the modification that would be beneficial to both sides. He indicated that re-engining is more likely to be a prospect for younger Superjet airframes. Russian federal air transport regulator Rosaviatsia formally granted certification for the powerplant in June.