MOSCOW. Dec 9 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov is to discuss Russian-French cooperation in the aviation sphere during negotiations in France on Thursday and Friday, a source in the Russian government told Interfax-Military News Agency.
He noted that the prime minister would discuss a range of issues, pertaining to cooperation between the two states in developing the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ).
The source said that the sides would discuss cooperation between Russia's Saturn Research and Production Association and France's Snecma Company, which participate in the joint Power-Jet venture, aimed at developing and manufacturing engines for the RRJ.
The sides expect to manufacture a 60-, a 70-, and a 95-seat versions of the aircraft. The cost of the baseline aircraft is expected to amount to $25 million.
The source noted that the RRJ was being developed by the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, established by the Sukhoi Holding Company.
Fradkov is expected to discuss the feasibility of the French side's providing up to 40% of funds for developing RRJ engines in the course of the upcoming negotiations.
The source expressed his hope that the prime ministers of both states would support the project and promise assistance to companies, participating in the venture.
The source believes that Russian and French companies could expand cooperation within the framework of this project even further, if the prime ministers supported the program.
Another crucial issue in the agenda of the negotiations comprises certifying contemporary Russian aircraft, for instance, the TU-204 and the BE-200.
The source noted that the aircraft were to be certified by the European Commission, with France bearing much influence there in the sphere of aviation.