In addition to writing for Aviation Week Network, Maxim holds a key position at Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine (www.ato.ru). In the past he was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications and earlier worked for the Moscow-based CAST defense think-tank.
Maxim has a degree on international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia, and for several years worked at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Delays in development are likely to put the Russian aircraft as the last of the new-generation aircraft in its segment, which will likely limit its market.
The basic version of the aircraft will carry 280 passengers over 12,000 km (7,500 mi.), making it somewhat comparable to the Airbus A330-900, but with a wider body suiting nine-abreast economy seating.
