Russia’s MC-21-310 certification programme has maintained a higher pace of flight testing, with four aircraft collectively spending more than 100 hours in the air during both September and October 2026. The October campaign, which followed a similarly intensive September program, recorded 30 flights totaling 106 hours and 35 minutes. The program is currently in the midst of a rigorous testing period, as engineers strive to finalize the aircraft’s certification in its fully Russian-equipped configuration. This is evidenced by the increased flying activity.
The October Testing Campaign is powered by four aircraft.
Four MC-21 development aircraft—73051, 73054, 73055, and 73057—were used in the October flight-test program.
73057 was the most active aircraft, having completed 16 flights with a combined duration of over 64 hours. This aircraft is of particular significance due to its representation of the MC-21-310 configuration, which includes onboard equipment and systems that were developed by Russia. From August 2025, it has been an active participant in the certification program, consistently contributing a significant portion of the testing workload.
The aircraft’s extensive flying activity is indicative of the concentration of testing duties that have been assigned to it. The program necessitates engineers to evaluate the integration of individual systems, verify their performance, and demonstrate that the aircraft operates as anticipated under various operating conditions, rather than merely accruing flight hours.
During October, the second aircraft, 73054, completed three flights that accumulated to approximately 11 hours. The two remaining aircraft, 73051 and 73055, registered approximately 11.5 and 20 hours of flight time, respectively, during their five and six flights.
Testing Expands Beyond Zhukovsky
The testing program was not limited to the aircraft’s principal base at Zhukovsky, as seen by the October campaign, which included flights from Syktyvkar Airport. Additional testing activities were conducted by aircraft 73054 and 73057 from Syktyvkar throughout the month.
These flights are crucial because it is necessary to validate aircraft performance data across various operating conditions. Engineers determine whether the aerodynamic characteristics and associated measurement systems of the aircraft are consistent with their anticipated values by analyzing measurements taken at various altitudes and airspeeds.
The aircraft were designated for additional testing activities upon their return to Zhukovsky. The automatic operating modes of the flight control system of aircraft 73057 were assessed at various stages of flight. The engineers also evaluated the environmental control, radio communications, fire protection, and cabin pressurization systems.
The engine bleed-air extraction system, radio communications equipment, and Russian radio altimeters were evaluated using aircraft 73051. In the interim, aircraft 73055 conducted tests on the Flight Management System software, weather radar, and radio navigation equipment, which included VOR/DME systems.
September and October Mark a Significant Increase in Flight Activity
The October results become more significant when compared with the preceding months.
The experimental MC-21 fleet amassed approximately 46 flight hours in June 2026. This figure increased to approximately 56 hours in July and nearly 72 hours in August. A major spike was observed in September, as four aircraft completed 28 flights and accumulated over 107 hours of flight time.
October maintained this higher level, with 30 flights and 106 hours and 35 minutes.
The figures indicate that the program has moved to a more rigorous testing phase. The capacity to sustain this level of activity for two consecutive months is crucial, as certification necessitates the analysis of engineering data, frequent evaluations, and a substantial number of individual test points.
Nevertheless, certification progress cannot be determined solely by flight hours. Upon completion of each test, the certification authorities must evaluate its results and approve the pertinent documentation.
Certification Still Has a Substantial Workload
The remaining certification work should not be underestimated, despite the increase in flight activity.
According to figures presented at a government-level certification review on October 8, the MC-21-310 had completed 115 of its revised target of 301 certification flights, equivalent to 38.2% of the planned programme at that reporting point.
For the sake of comparison, the aircraft had executed 68 of the 232 scheduled flights in April. The certification program was subsequently expanded to 301 flights, which reflects the expanded scope of the work required to approve the Russian-equipped configuration and the additional requirements.
This is an important distinction. The 106 hours recorded in October are indicative of the total flying activity of the four development aircraft, rather than 106 hours of certification work. Other operational and engineering objectives are served by certain flights.
A thorough verification is necessary for the Russian configuration due to the replacement or redesign of various systems. Russian-developed electrical equipment, avionics, navigation systems, flight controls, environmental control equipment, and other onboard components are integrated into the aircraft.
The transition was especially significant in April 2025, when aircraft 73055 successfully completed its inaugural flight in the import-substituted configuration. Several critical aircraft systems, as well as approximately 80 foreign components and systems, were replaced during the broader program.
The aircraft initiated further certification flight testing with its Russian avionics in June 2025.
Production Aircraft Also Move Towards Delivery
The Irkutsk Aviation Plant is simultaneously conducting flight testing and preparing for commercial production.
The maiden flight of the first production MC-21-310, which was registered 73362 and bore the manufacturer serial number MS.0014, was completed on August 3, 2026. The flight lasted one hour and 23 minutes and included evaluations of the aircraft’s controllability, stability, and the operation of its domestic systems.
The aircraft completed an additional flight before departing for Irkutsk on November 2, following its subsequent ground and functional testing at Zhukovsky. The manufacturer intends to install its standard passenger cabin and associated equipment and finalize additional preparations.
In the interim, the second and third production aircraft, MS.0015 and MS.0016, were undergoing ground testing and preparing for flight testing. Additionally, the factory intended to incorporate a fourth production aircraft into its flight-test preparation process by the conclusion of 2026.
The commercial schedule is also becoming clearer. Aeroflot is anticipated to acquire eight MC-21 aircraft in 2027 and an additional ten in 2028 as part of its initial contract. Ninety additional aircraft are included in a distinct contract, with deliveries anticipated to occur between 2029 and 2032.