Aeroflot plans to acquire over 100 domestically produced MC-21 aircraft by 2030, according to CEO Sergey Alexandrovsky. The airline is actively preparing for the operation of these aircraft, with pilots eager to retrain and additional hangars being built for maintenance.
Experts have varying opinions on the feasibility of this plan. Some express skepticism, citing delays in certification and production, while others are more optimistic, highlighting the aircraft’s potential and the progress made despite sanctions.
The MC-21 is a new generation medium-range aircraft designed for passenger and cargo transport up to 5,100 kilometers. Its development began in 2007, but mass production has faced numerous postponements. Originally slated for delivery in 2024, the timeline has been pushed back repeatedly.
Viktor Gorbachev, General Director of the Airport Association of Civil Aviation, considers Aeroflot’s goal “fairy tales,” citing uncertified equipment, aircraft, and engines. He suggests production might start in 2026, with a maximum output of five units per year. Alexander Fridlyand, director of the scientific center of the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation, emphasizes that mass production depends on the completion of testing and certification, further complicated by sanctions.
Conversely, military pilot Andrey Krasnoperov is optimistic, emphasizing that rushing the process is not beneficial. He believes the MC-21 is a “wonderful aircraft” praised by test pilots. Krasnoperov attributes delays to sanctions but notes that the airframe is ready and tested.
The MC-21 features an active joystick, a distinction from Airbus models, allowing pilots to monitor each other’s actions for enhanced flight safety.
The development of the MC-21 has been ongoing since 2007, with initial promises of mass production in 2016. The deadlines were subsequently shifted to 2019, 2020, and then 2022. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) later announced serial deliveries for 2024, then 2025. Recently, Rostec’s head, Sergey Chemezov, stated deliveries would commence in 2026.
In April, a prototype MC-21, equipped with domestic systems and components, completed its first flight. Rostec maintains confidence that deliveries are on schedule, with the MC-21 intended to replace Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the Russian market.
Besides Russian airlines, preliminary agreements have been established with foreign carriers, including Air Tanzania, Cairo Aviation, Azerbaijan Airlines, and Peruvian Airlines. Belavia, a Belarusian company, has also expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft.