Following President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant of Yakovlev PJSC on July 24, Russia’s premier MC-21 airliner program has entered another critical phase. Senior executives from Rostec and the aircraft manufacturer confirmed that the first fully import-substituted serial MC-21-310 is on the threshold of its maiden flight during the visit. They also disclosed new information regarding production, certification, and the development of a shorter-range MC-21-210 variant.
First Serial Import-Substituted MC-21 Ready for Flight
The centerpiece of the visit was aircraft MC.0014 (registration number 73362), the first serial-built MC-21-310 produced entirely in its import-substituted configuration. Andrey Soynov, Director of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, has stated that the aircraft is currently in the final phases of preparation and is expected to conduct its inaugural flight from July 27 to August 2.
This aircraft is the first production-standard airframe to incorporate Russia’s domestically produced systems, avionics, composite wing structures, and PD-14 engines, in contrast to the earlier prototype aircraft that were used throughout the certification campaign. Its transition into factory flight testing is a major milestone, as it serves as a transition from prototype development to full-scale serial manufacturing.
Soynov also verified that the second serial aircraft, MC.0015, which is intended for Aeroflot, is currently in an advanced stage of completion. It is anticipated that the factory will transition into the flight-test preparation phase in August, which will enable it to sustain a continuous testing schedule as certification advances.
Production Line Continues to Grow
President Putin was apprised of the current status of serial production at the Irkutsk facility during the visit. Company officials disclosed that 18 MC-21 aircraft are undergoing various stages of assembly at the same time.
Currently, six aircraft are in the process of final airframe assembly and the installation of onboard systems, while another six are in the process of fuselage section assembly and joining operations. The remaining aircraft are distributed across successive manufacturing stages, with two additional aircraft currently in aggregate assembly.
The figures demonstrate that Yakovlev has continued manufacturing aircraft even before certification is complete. Once regulatory approval is obtained, this method allows engineers to improve production techniques, train the workforce, and prepare the assembly line for increased production rates. The company’s long-term goal is to maintain a consistent annual production rate that is sufficient to satisfy the demand of domestic airlines.
MC-21-210 Receives Official Backing
The shorter MC-21-210 variant was one of the most significant announcements made during the visit.
President Putin inquired about the operational range and passenger capacity of the aircraft from company officials. According to Sergey Chemezov and Andrey Soynov, the CEO of Rostec, the aircraft is expected to have a capacity of approximately 140 passengers and a projected range of at least 5,000 kilometers.
Unlike other aircraft families that introduce smaller variants with lower-powered engines, the MC-21-210 will maintain the same PD-14 turbofan engines that are used on the larger MC-21-310. The shortened fuselage reduces structural weight, allowing the aircraft to travel further while maintaining compatibility with the larger version in terms of maintenance, pilot training, and spare parts.
Chemezov also disclosed that the state contract for the development of the MC-21-210 has been signed and funding has been officially released. This confirms that the project has progressed from the conceptual stage to active development.
According to industry analysts, the smaller variant has the potential to improve the MC-21 family by focusing on routes where the demand is insufficient to justify the larger MC-21-310 while simultaneously ensuring exceptional operating economics through fleet commonality.
Financial Support Needed to Sustain Production
The discussion also highlighted one of the less visible challenges facing the program—maintaining uninterrupted serial production before customer deliveries begin.
When President Putin asked what would be required to keep production running smoothly, Soynov replied that additional financial support would be necessary.
He clarified that the primary objective was not to provide direct government subsidies, but rather to provide access to affordable financing through favorable interest rates and reduced borrowing costs. The production line’s uninterrupted operation and the support of suppliers throughout Russia’s aerospace manufacturing network would be guaranteed by an investment bundle of approximately 200 million, according to Soynov.
His comments reflect the financial realities of modern aircraft production. Materials, labor, tooling, and supplier contracts must be extensively invested by manufacturers prior to the commencement of aircraft deliveries to airlines.
Certification Timeline Remains on Track
The anticipated roadmap for the completion of the certification of the entirely import-substituted MC-21 was also outlined by company executives.
Certification flight testing is expected to conclude in the spring of 2027, as per the current schedule. The technical data that has been collected will be submitted to the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia, Rosaviatsiya, for review after the flight campaign has concluded.
The results will be evaluated by the certification authority, which is expected to require several additional months to process amendments to the aircraft’s current type certificate. The first production-standard aircraft will be delivered to the launch customer, Aeroflot, upon its completion.
Even though the MC-21 program has encountered delays in recent years, the predominant cause of these delays has been the substitution of imported components with domestically manufactured alternatives. However, officials are optimistic that deliveries will commence after certification is finalized in 2027.
A Critical Phase for the Civil Aviation Industry of Russia
President Putin’s visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant underscored the strategic importance of the MC-21 program for Russia’s civil aviation industry. The transition from development to the early stages of commercial production is marked by the imminent first flight of the first entirely import-substituted serial aircraft. Additionally, the increasing number of aircraft on the assembly line indicates confidence in the program’s long-term future.
At the same time, the official commencement of the MC-21-210 development program signals Russia’s intention to broaden the aircraft family to include a major portion of the global single-aisle market. The new variant aims to provide airlines with increased operational flexibility without compromising fleet commonality by integrating a shortened fuselage with the same PD-14 engines and shared systems.
The MC-21 is quickly approaching one of its most important milestones in history, as serial production continues to grow and certification is expected for 2027. Government support is also continuing. The speed at which Russia can transition from testing and certification to regular airline deliveries and sustained commercial production will be determined in the months ahead, commencing with the maiden flight of the first serial aircraft.