Russia needs to produce at least 200 aircraft by 2030 to replace foreign airliners - Chemezov

MOSCOW. March 18 (Interfax) - The state Rostec corporation, which includes United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has only just begun working with airlines to assess real demand for new aircraft by 2030.

A preliminary estimate shows that Russia will need to produce at least 200 airliners to replace foreign aircraft that are being phased out, the head of Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, told reporters on the sidelines of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) congress.

"We cannot yet say the exact number, because we are only just beginning to discuss this with the airlines. I think that about 200, at least, will have to be produced to replace the aging foreign airliners that are currently operated by airlines," he said, commenting on the review of the previously approved and now to some extent irrelevant comprehensive program for the development of the civil aviation industry.

"More might even be needed," Chemezov said.