As part of efforts to bolster Russia’s domestic aircraft production, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ) has launched a series of initiatives to accelerate the assembly of the MC-21 aircraft. These measures include the installation of additional assembly stations and modernization of equipment, with the goal of streamlining production processes and increasing the plant’s overall capacity. The MC-21, a flagship project of the Russian aviation industry, aims to replace Western-made Airbus and Boeing jets in domestic fleets, a necessity driven by international sanctions.
To reduce reliance on existing equipment, IAZ is installing new assembly stations in various shops, such as the S31 assembly station doubler in Shop 255, which will fast-track the production of components like the main landing gear support recess and air conditioning system compartment. By the end of 2024, the plant will also add two new assembly stations for the final assembly of the half-fuselage, allowing more flexible distribution of labor across four parallel workstations.
Looking ahead, further modernization is planned for 2025, including new stations for emergency and passenger door openings, all aimed at meeting the Russian government’s target of producing 36 MC-21 aircraft annually by 2027.
Impact of Western Sanctions
The production of the MC-21 has been deeply affected by the sanctions imposed on Russia following its military actions in Ukraine. The original version of the aircraft, the MC-21-300, was to be powered by U.S.-made Pratt & Whitney engines, but due to the sanctions, Russia has shifted to using domestically produced PD-14 engines. This transition, along with the need to replace numerous Western-sourced components, has delayed the aircraft’s entry into service. Currently, the MC-21-310 variant, featuring more Russian-made parts, is expected to begin deliveries in 2025 or 2026.
The sanctions have also prompted Russia to adopt a broader strategy of import substitution, with state-owned companies like Rostec driving efforts to increase self-reliance in aircraft production. Despite these challenges, Russia plans to deliver over 500 domestically produced aircraft to its airlines by 2030, including the MC-21 and other models like the Superjet-NEW and Tu-214. However, experts question whether the country can achieve these ambitious targets, given the significant setbacks and production delays encountered thus far.
