PowerJet
PowerJet was a Franco-Russian aircraft-engine joint venture established to develop, manufacture, market, and support the SaM146 propulsion system for the Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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History
PowerJet's origins lay in industrial cooperation between Snecma and NPO Saturn that began in 1998. At that time, Snecma subcontracted the manufacture of CFM56 engine parts to NPO Saturn. The arrangement gave the companies experience in coordinating production across France and Russia and provided a foundation for deeper collaboration in civil aviation propulsion. In 2004, the companies formalized their relationship by creating PowerJet as a 50-50 joint venture. Its central assignment was the SaM146 program, developed for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional airliner. PowerJet's remit covered the complete propulsion system rather than the core engine alone. It was responsible for design, production, marketing, and after-sales support, including the engine, nacelle, and related equipment. The arrangement divided industrial participation between the French and Russian partners while placing the commercial propulsion program under a dedicated venture. The joint venture expanded its manufacturing footprint in 2005 with the creation of the VolgAero plant in Rybinsk. The facility produced parts for the SaM146 and also manufactured parts and assemblies for other engines connected with the parent companies. This created a Russian production base for the program and reinforced the cross-border character of the venture. Testing and certification infrastructure followed. In 2007, Snecma and NPO Saturn constructed an open-air test cell at Poluevo near Rybinsk. The facility was designed to conduct certification tests for the SaM146 and could also be used for testing other engines. Its establishment was an important part of the program's path toward regulatory approval and commercial service, linking development work in Russia with the certification requirements of the European and Russian aviation authorities. The SaM146 reached a major milestone on 23 June 2010, when it was certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Russian certification followed in August 2010. These approvals enabled the engine to support the commercial launch of the Superjet 100, which entered service in 2011. The aircraft program made the SaM146 PowerJet's defining product and gave the venture a role in the international regional-aircraft market. PowerJet's responsibilities continued after entry into service. The business model included technical support, parts supply, maintenance, and repair, all of which were necessary for airline operation of the engine. The company's intended role therefore extended across the propulsion system's lifecycle, from engineering and manufacturing through customer support. The partnership's operating conditions changed in 2022. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, international sanctions affected cross-border aerospace trade and support activity. In late March of that year, PowerJet terminated its contracts for SaM146 parts, technical support, engine maintenance, and repair services. The termination marked a decisive break in the support arrangements that had connected the Russian-built aircraft program with its French industrial partner and international customers. The available source material does not specify a formal dissolution date, a successor organization, or the precise ownership and operating structure after the 2022 contract termination. PowerJet's present status is therefore uncertain. Its documented history remains centered on the SaM146 and on the attempt to create a jointly managed Franco-Russian propulsion platform for the Superjet 100.
- 2022
SaM146 support contracts are terminated
[1]PowerJet ends contracts for parts, technical support, maintenance, and repairs after sanctions connected with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- 2011
Superjet 100 enters service
[1]The Sukhoi Superjet 100 enters commercial service using the SaM146 as its sole powerplant.
- 2010
SaM146 receives European certification
[1]The SaM146 is certified by EASA on 23 June 2010.
- 2010
SaM146 receives Russian certification
[1]The engine obtains Russian certification in August 2010.
- 2007
Open-air engine test cell is established near Rybinsk
[1]Snecma and NPO Saturn build a test facility at Poluevo for SaM146 certification work and testing of other engines.
- 2005
VolgAero plant is founded in Rybinsk
[1]A Rybinsk production plant is established to manufacture SaM146 parts and parts and assemblies for other engines.
- 2004
PowerJet joint venture is created
[1]Snecma and NPO Saturn establish PowerJet as an equal joint venture to manage the SaM146 propulsion program.
- 1998
Snecma and NPO Saturn begin industrial cooperation
[1]Snecma begins subcontracting CFM56 engine-part production to NPO Saturn, establishing the industrial relationship that later leads to PowerJet.
Products and positioning
An integrated aircraft-propulsion supplier focused on the SaM146 regional-jet engine program, combining French and Russian engineering, manufacturing, certification, and lifecycle-support capabilities.
Regional-aircraft turbofan engine and integrated propulsion system · 2011
SaM146
The SaM146 was PowerJet's principal and defining product. It was developed as the sole powerplant for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional airliner. PowerJet's offering covered the complete propulsion system, including the turbofan engine, nacelle, and associated equipment. The venture also managed the program's production, marketing, certification activity, and after-sales support. The engine received EASA certification in June 2010 and Russian certification in August 2010, before the Superjet 100 entered service in 2011. Support contracts for parts, technical assistance, maintenance, and repair were terminated in late March 2022.
Brand decisions
2022
Termination of SaM146 parts and support contractsStrategyBackground
International sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine affected the cross-border supply and support arrangements for the SaM146.
Action taken
In late March 2022, PowerJet terminated contracts covering parts, technical support, engine maintenance, and repair services.
Aftermath
The decision ended the documented support arrangement for the SaM146 and left the venture's subsequent operating status unclear.
2004
Creation of an equal Franco-Russian propulsion joint ventureStrategyBackground
Snecma and NPO Saturn expanded their earlier component-manufacturing cooperation into a dedicated company for the SaM146 program.
Action taken
The partners formed PowerJet with equal ownership and assigned it responsibility for the engine's design, production, marketing, and after-sales support.
Aftermath
The structure created a cross-border industrial platform for the Superjet 100 propulsion system and led to manufacturing and test activity in France and Russia.
Sources1 sources
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