In autumn 2026, the MC-21-310 flight-test program in Russia entered a particularly rigorous phase. In September alone, four aircraft—73051, 73054, 73055, and 73057—completed a total of 28 flights, accumulating over 107 hours of airtime. The aircraft were assigned a variety of tasks, including the evaluation of aircraft systems under failure conditions, the testing of new Russian radio altimeters, and avionics and radio-navigation tests.
As the MC-21 transitions from its experimental phase to series production, there is an increased level of flight-test activity. The first serial-production entirely import-substituted MC-21-310 took to the skies from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant in July 2026. The aircraft, which was assigned the production number MC.0014, was propelled by Russian PD-14 engines and spent 1 hour and 23 minutes in the air during its initial flight. It achieved an altitude of 6,000 meters and a speed of 600 km/h.
Aircraft 73057 Carries the Heaviest Testing Load
MC-21-310 number 73057 was the busiest aircraft in September. It completed 15 flights and spent nearly 48 hours in the air, which is nearly half of the combined monthly flying time of the four aircraft.
The aircraft is of highest priority to the program. Airframe MC.0013 was originally built as the first serial-production MC-21-300. However, it was subsequently converted into the entirely import-substituted MC-21-310. It is outfitted with Russian onboard equipment, domestic control systems, and Russian PD-14 engines. The aircraft entered the certification program subsequent to its conversion.
In September, 73057 was used to evaluate numerous critical systems. Engineers tested the fuel system, aircraft control, fire suppression in the stowage and cargo compartment, and air-conditioning and automatic pressure-control systems under a variety of failure scenarios. Additionally, the automatic braking system underwent ground tests.
The aircraft also traveled to Moscow to attend the signing ceremony for Aeroflot’s contract to acquire an additional 90 MC-21 aircraft. Consequently, the demonstration aircraft served as both a representation of the project’s progression to the subsequent phase and an integral component of the technical program.
73054 Logs More Than 43 Hours
MC-21-310 number 73054 was the second-busiest aircraft. It completed eight flights and spent over 43 hours in the air during September.
The program involved testing of the aircraft’s air-data system and new software. The aircraft also operated on longer-distance routes, such as flights between Zhukovsky, Syktyvkar, and Irkutsk.
These flights are especially beneficial during the certification process, as they enable engineers to assess equipment not only during conventional test excursions but also during extended operations across various geographical regions.
Additionally, Aircraft 73054 has been used for a variety of ferry flights and supporting activities, which implies that not all of its flying time is directly related to the core certification program.
Radio Navigation and Static Electricity Tests
MC-21-310 number 73055 was another participant in the September program. It completed four flights and accumulated approximately 13 hours in the air.
The aircraft was eused by engineers to evaluate the aircraft’s flight-management computing system, test radio-navigation systems, and investigate the impact of static electricity on onboard equipment. While these tests may not garner the same level of attention as a maiden flight, they are a critical component of the certification evidence that is necessary for an aircraft to be admitted to regular commercial service.
The fourth aircraft, 73051, completed a single three-hour voyage. Its primary objective was to evaluate novel Russian radio altimeters.
Additionally, this aircraft has a distinguished pedigree. It was initially constructed as an MC-21-300 and is one of the earliest flying examples of the MC-21 program. It was subsequently converted to Russian PD-14 engines and included in the flight-test program for the import-substituted version.
From flight testing to series production
Because the production aspect of the MC-21 program is currently underway, the intensity of the September flying program is especially noteworthy.
The inaugural flight of the first serial-production fully import-substituted MC-21-310 was conducted directly from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant at the end of July. According to Rostec, the successful flight verified the production chain’s readiness for the series production of the initial 18 aircraft.
In the interim, certification testing is ongoing. The program has gradually broadened the scope of testing throughout 2026, as aircraft are assigned increasingly specialized duties.
For instance, in June, aircraft 73057 accomplished a range of over 3,800 km with a calculated payload of 17.5 tons.
At the same time, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant is building up its production backlog. Eighteen MC-21 aircraft are reportedly in production for Aeroflot’s first contract. Eight are scheduled for delivery in 2027, followed by another ten in 2028.
Aeroflot Orders Another 90 MC-21s
One of the most significant commercial developments of the past few months occurred on September 18, 2026, when Aeroflot and Rostec signed a contract for an additional 90 MC-21 aircraft. The delivery of the new group is anticipated to occur between 2029 and 2032.
In 2029, 14 aircraft are scheduled for delivery, followed by 18 in 2030, 24 in 2031, and 34 in 2032. The Irkutsk Aviation Plant’s ultimate objective is to achieve a production rate of 36 MC-21 aircraft annually in the long term.
The MC-21 Programme Enters Its Next Phase
Irkutsk is concurrently developing the next iteration of serial-production aircraft as the four test aircraft continue to collect data in the skies.
Therefore, the MC-21 program is in the process of advancing along two parallel tracks simultaneously: the completion of the certification of the completely Russian-configured aircraft and the establishment of the industrial base necessary for large-scale deliveries to Russian airlines. The MC-21 is transitioning from an engineering program to an operational commercial aircraft, as evidenced by the extensive flight testing, expanding production activity, and significant new airline orders.