VLM (1992) (Antwerp) will become the first operator of the SSJ 100/95 in Western Europe after it signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Russian lessor, Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC), for two SSJ 100-95LRs.

The Belgian operator, whose management is set to acquire the airline from its current owner, Intro Aviation, will take delivery of the aircraft in April 2015 on a 12-year operating lease, with options for two further aircraft. The deal also includes purchase rights for ten aircraft.

“While VLM Airlines will continue offering ACMI and charter services with our Fokker 50 fleet, we see an exciting opportunity as a niche scheduled operator. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 LR fits our new strategy perfectly, with its exceptional efficiency and performance, advanced fly-by-wire technologies and spacious cabin," Arthur White, CEO of VLM Airlines, said.

VLM plans to use the aircraft in its resumption of scheduled European services, suppressed after both it and sister carrier CityJet (WX, Dublin International) were acquired from Air France (AF, Paris CDG) earlier this year.

The SSJ100, Russia’s first serially manufactured passenger airliner, is a 103-seat regional jet designed and manufactured by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (Zhukovsky) in partnership with Italy's Alenia Aermacchi (Brindisi).