Russian airline Aeroflot has entered an agreement with VEB Leasing and United Aircraft for the purchase and delivery of 20 new Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) planes.

The latest deal follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Aeroflot and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft in January 2015 regarding the newly confirmed order.

The deal is also in addition to an order for 30 SSJ100 aircraft, the delivery of which was completed last year.

Set to increase Aeroflot’s SSJ100 fleet to 50 aircraft, the newly ordered planes will be used to serve domestic routes across Russia, and flights to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and a number of European destinations.

"Aeroflot understands the importance of supporting domestic production, which the Russian President has spoken about on many occasions."

Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled to be carried out this year, and the order is to be complete by next July.

Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said: “Aeroflot understands the importance of supporting domestic production, which the Russian President has spoken about on many occasions.

“Throughout its history, Aeroflot has played a unique role as the main consumer of Russian-made aviation technology.

“We are putting Russian aircraft into the skies, helping to fine-tune them, and deploying them widely on commercial routes.”

The newly ordered SSJ100 aircraft will feature two-class configuration, which includes 12 seats in business class and 75 seats in economy.

Aeroflot’s existing SSJ100 aircraft fleet is also flying with the same cabin configuration, accommodating a total of 87 passengers.