The MC-21, which was domestically developed, is poised to become the primary medium-haul passenger aircraft of Russia’s largest airline, Aeroflot, in the years ahead. Additionally, the airline has plans for a third significant order, which will encompass an additional 92 aircraft. The additional order, when combined with its two existing contracts for 18 and 90 aircraft, would result in Aeroflot’s total commitment to 200 MC-21-310 aircraft. This would provide Russian aircraft manufacturers with a long-term production program that would extend through 2033.
The expansion proposal is being made in anticipation of the transition from certification testing to serial deliveries of the fully Russian-configured MC-21-310 in Russia. Aeroflot’s expanding orders could offer the Irkutsk Aviation Plant the production stability necessary to boost output and establish a sustainable domestic passenger aircraft manufacturing program, with the first deliveries planned by the end of 2027.
Aeroflot’s third MC-21 order extends production until 2033
The announcement of a third major MC-21 contract in late October 2026 marks another important development in Russia’s effort to rebuild its commercial aviation industry. Aeroflot has already placed orders for two batches of the next-generation medium-haul aircraft, each consisting of 18 and 90 aircraft. An additional 92 aircraft are anticipated to be included in the third contract.
The Aeroflot Group would receive 200 MC-21-310 aircraft as a result of the three orders, which would serve as the foundation of its medium-haul operations in the future.
The timing is significant for the Russian aviation industry. Developing an independent aviation manufacturing capability involves more than just the development of a commercial aircraft. It is equally critical to ensure the consistent delivery of aircraft over a period of several years, secure component supplies, expand industrial capacity, and maintain production lines.
These challenges could be mitigated by the implementation of a long-term order book from the nation’s largest airline, which would provide manufacturers with a more transparent understanding of their future production needs.
Aeroflot expects receiving its first eight MC-21 aircraft by the end of 2027, as indicated by reported delivery plans. A further ten aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2028, thereby concluding the initial 18-aircraft contract.
The second contract, which is expected to extend from 2029 to 2032, consists of 90 aircraft. This results in a production schedule for the Irkutsk facility that is relatively consistent, with an estimated 22–23 aircraft produced annually.
The detailed delivery schedule has yet to be established, but it is believed that the additional 92 aircraft orders will extend deliveries until 2033.
MC-21 Certification Testing and Serial Production Gather Pace
The MC-21-310’s continual certification program is in alignment with the expanded order pipeline. The completely Russian-configured aircraft is currently undergoing certification testing, with completion anticipated for 2027. This information was last updated in autumn 2026.
The purpose of these tests is to confirm that the aircraft satisfies the requisite airworthiness standards prior to its entry into regular commercial service.
Simultaneously, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant has initiated the process of preparing for larger-scale serial production. The goal is to prevent a scenario in which the completion of certification is followed by an additional significant delay in aircraft deliveries.
The fourth aircraft is nearing completion of assembly, while the third serial aircraft assembled during 2026 is being prepared for flight operations. It is anticipated that production rates will increase in 2027.
Plans are in place for the Irkutsk Aviation Plant to produce as many as 36 MC-21 aircraft annually. Accordingly, the demand required to gradually utilize this capacity could be generated by Aeroflot’s contracts.
The production target is of particular significance due to the fact that the MC-21 program necessitates an extensive industrial network that extends beyond the aircraft assembly facility. The production cooperation that supports Russia’s new-generation passenger aircraft programs involves approximately 50,000 individuals from various companies.
Replacing Boeing and Airbus Across the Aeroflot Group
The potential standardization of Aeroflot Group’s medium-haul operations is one of the most major outcomes of the planned 200-aircraft MC-21 fleet.
Currently, Aeroflot maintains a substantial fleet of Western-built aircraft, which includes nearly 100 Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft in various modifications, as well as approximately 40 Boeing 737s. These aircraft are a critical component of its domestic and international passenger operations.
The MC-21 would gradually replace these aircraft in the group’s core medium-haul operations as part of the planned fleet transition.
The replacement program is not exclusive to Aeroflot. Rossiya Airlines and Pobeda are also part of the consortium, which presents an opportunity to redistribute existing aircraft as new Russian-built aircraft are introduced to service.
The Western-built aircraft that were released from Aeroflot’s operations could be transferred to Pobeda, while Rossiya’s fleet would be fortified by the addition of MC-21 aircraft.
The figures cited in the announcement indicate that Rossiya currently operates a mixed fleet consisting of 14 Boeing 737s, eight Airbus A320s, and 18 Airbus A319s. It is also anticipated that these aircraft will be gradually replaced by domestically manufactured alternatives.
The Aeroflot Group would operate approximately 200 modern Russian-built MC-21 medium-haul aircraft if the planned transition is executed.
Rossiya’s fleet of 78 Russian Superjet regional aircraft already provides the group with a major domestic aircraft presence. The planned MC-21 expansion, when combined with the Superjet fleet, would substantially boost the proportion of Russian-built passenger aircraft in its operations.
200 MC-21 Aircraft Could Transform Aeroflot’s Fleet
The planned expansion of Aeroflot with a commitment of 200 aircraft, the MC-21 has the potential to become the primary medium-haul aircraft for the nation’s largest airline group by the early 2030s if the contracts and delivery schedules are executed according to the established schedule.
Currently, the primary obstacle is the execution phase, which involves the completion of certification, the increase in output, and the guarantee that the aircraft arrive at the airlines on time. The MC-21 program has the potential to serve as the cornerstone of a significantly more autonomous Russian commercial aviation industry if these objectives are accomplished.