16The Aeroflot Group announced that it expects to receive its first unit of the MC-21 aircraft in 2026. Ivan Batanov, Director of Aeroflot’s Network and Revenue Management Department, reported during the PRO//Movement Passenger Forum that the company is actively working with the manufacturer to customize the aircraft according to its specific needs.
This forecast aligns with earlier statements by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who indicated that deliveries of this domestically manufactured aircraft could begin in 2025, according to a report from our partner media outlet, AEROIN.
The MC-21 is designed for both domestic and international markets, aiming to replace older models such as the Tu-154 and the Tu-204 family, and serve as an alternative to foreign aircraft. Designed for short- and medium-haul routes, it can transport passengers, luggage, and cargo. Several versions of the aircraft are planned, with capacities for 150, 180, and 210 seats, and a range of up to 6,000 kilometers.
See also: Russia expands the Irkutsk plant to produce 36 MC-21 aircraft per year
This project aims to revitalize Russia’s aviation industry, promoting technological advancements and innovations in the country’s civil aviation sector. Customization collaborations for the MC-21 may include aspects related to passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, and environmental performance.
The production of the MC-21 has been significantly affected by sanctions imposed on Russia following its military actions in Ukraine. The original version of the aircraft, the MC-21-300, was initially intended to be equipped with U.S.-made Pratt & Whitney engines. However, due to the sanctions, Russia has switched to domestically produced PD-14 engines. This transition, along with the need to replace numerous Western-origin components, delayed the aircraft’s entry into service.
The sanctions have also prompted Russia to adopt a broader import substitution strategy, with state-owned companies such as Rostec leading efforts to increase self-reliance in aircraft production. Despite these challenges, Russia plans to deliver more than 500 domestically produced aircraft to its airlines by 2030, including the MC-21 and other models like the Superjet-NEW and the Tu-214. However, experts question whether the country will be able to meet these ambitious goals, given the significant setbacks and delays encountered in production so far.
