Russia's MAKS Air Show sets new records

International Aviation and Space Airshow MAKS- 2013 was launched in the town of Zhukovsky, near Moscow . By tradition, the first three days of the air show will be open to specialists only. The program for general audiences begins on Friday.

Photo: AP photo

This year, the number of participants of Russia's major air show has grown to a record number. Thousands of companies from 44 countries present their products at the air show. In 2011, MAKS was attended by delegations from 40 countries.

For the first time in 11 years of the Air Show, President Vladimir Putin did not attend the opening of the event. This year's air show was opened by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev .

Visitors will be able to see in action such aerobatic teams as " Russian Knights" on Su -27, "Swifts " on the MiG-29," Falcons of Russia " on Su-27 and "Golden Eagles" on Mi -28N .

The Russian fifth-generation fighter T- 50 attracts special interest. At MAKS 2011, the fighter failed to take off due to engine failure. Also at the air show the world's largest passenger aircraft A-380 will take off.

First contracts have already been signed. VEB -Leasing purchased six Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft worth the total of $217 million dollars.