Air Force makes another dubious purchase
I read the news yesterday, oh boy, about the Royal Thai Air Force taking delivery of two Sukhoi Superjet 100s capable of flying 60 passengers. The Air Force said it intends to use them to transport VIPs, whoever they are.
I thought the model name sounded familiar so I googled it, and sure enough, was reminded that its 2012 demonstration flight in Pakistan was cancelled because of a technical glitch. Reporters and prospective buyers could only gawk at a parked jet. Far worse, the demonstration model crashed in Indonesia, killing all 45 people on board, including the eight crewmembers.
Not a very impressive record, especially considering that demonstration models are usually souped up to impress clients.
Somsak Pola
Samut Prakan
