Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, has been courting the Middle East to promote Russia’s concept for a supersonic business jet (SSBJ). The preliminary design suggests an aircraft capable of carrying 16 to 19 passengers at speeds of 1250 mph to 1860 mph.
Russia’s minister for industry and trade, Denis Manturov explained, “Russia is interested in cooperation with the Gulf monarchies on the supersonic passenger jet…since they are pre-positioned to be customers for such an aircraft.”
Putin reportedly discussed the topic of a supersonic business aircraft with both King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed of Abu Dhabi.
Manturov emphasized that “advanced technology is the key to this project.” Estimates suggest that there is a market for as many as 30 SSBJ, with prices ranging between $100 to $120 million each, in the Middle Eastern market—and many more in the world markets.