Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company won a $300 million order from Orient Thai for 12 of Russia’s first major passenger planes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Itar-Tass reported, citing the Thailand-based airline.

Sukhoi agreed to deliver 12 of the mid-range Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliners before 2014, the news service reported from Bangkok.

Orient Thai plans to use the aircraft on domestic flights, gradually replacing its current fleet, the report said, citing Orient Thai chairman Kajit Habanananda. The airline may hire Sukhoi to maintain the fleet, he said.

Delivery of the first two planes is planned for November next year, Interfax reported, citing Bangkok Post.

The Russian 98-seat planes will replace U.S.-made, 172-seat MD-80s and MD-90s, Interfax said.

Other foreign buyers of the Superjet, which is expected to make its maiden passenger flight early next year, include Indonesia's Kartika and Bermuda-based lessor Pearl Aircraft.

Sukhoi is competing with Canada's Bombardier and Brazil's Embraer in the regional carrier sector.

(Bloomberg, MT)