Russia Considers PD-8 Engine Retrofit for SSJ100 Fleet

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) is evaluating the installation of PD-8 engines on the existing SSJ100 regional jet fleet, according to discussions led by the chief of the agency, Dmitry Yadrov, with airlines and lessors.

This proposal comes as the agency seeks alternatives to retiring the relatively young SSJ100 fleet, which currently includes about 160 operational aircraft. Deliveries of the new Russified SJ-100 replacement version with PD-8 engines are scheduled for 2026.

The Russian-developed PD-8 engine is in the final stages of testing, with a critical 150-hour test campaign set to begin soon. Yadrov argues that retrofitting the fleet is preferable to withdrawal, given the fleet’s low average age.

Production of the SSJ100 began in 2011 and ended in 2022 after international sanctions. Between 2018 and 2019, intensive use accelerated wear on the SaM146 engines, placing around 20 aircraft at risk of early retirement.

Life extensions for the SaM146 engines have been approved to sustain SSJ100 operations through 2028 or 2029. The SaM146 turbofan was developed jointly by Russia’s UEC and France’s Safran.

The outcome of the PD-8 retrofit evaluation will determine the future viability of the SSJ100 fleet as Russia seeks to maintain domestic jet operations amid ongoing supply chain constraints.

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