Commencement of the mass production of MS-21 and SJ-100, as announced by Sergey Chemezov
The Russian-made MC-21 aircraft is on the verge of a significant milestone, with plans for its first flight as a fully import-substituted aircraft in August 2025. This development comes after extensive import substitution efforts, integrating over 70 Russian-made systems and assemblies into the aircraft [1].
Currently, a partially import-substitute MC-21 equipped with the Russian PD-14 engine is already undergoing certification flights. The goal is to complete certification for the fully import-substituted MC-21 by the end of 2026, with serial production set to begin thereafter [1][5].
The MC-21 prototype, equipped with domestic components such as composite wings, avionics, and engines, has successfully completed ground testing and is now undergoing delivery tests, moving closer to its first flight under the new configuration [2][4].
The planned production volume aims for around 72 units per year by 2029, with serial production gradually ramping up starting in 2026 [1].
Meanwhile, the SJ-100 aircraft, another fully import-substitute aircraft, is currently undergoing certification flights. It is expected that serial production for both the SJ-100 and Il-114 aircraft will begin in 2026 as well [1].
In addition to these developments, the Prime Minister has stressed the importance of domestic aircraft, particularly emphasising safety as the top priority. The Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, has reported on the progress of the MC-21 aircraft [3].
To ensure timely maintenance and supply of spare parts, plans are in place for a total of 50 service centers, including those with airlines. Rostec has already created eight service centers and aims to create 15 more by 2030 [6].
As the MC-21 aircraft undergoes further updates with new technology, the head of Rostec has been tasked with taking the macroeconomic situation into account in the proposed financial model. The Prime Minister has also emphasised the importance of thorough model development, including possible fuel subsidies [7].
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has tasked the head of Rostec with preparing proposals for a financial model of aircraft and helicopter production [8]. The MC-21 aircraft is being tested with the PD-14 engine [9], further demonstrating Russia's commitment to its domestic aviation industry.
Sources:
[1] TASS. (2022, August 3). Russia's MC-21 to become fully import-substituted in August 2025. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1498534
[2] TASS. (2022, August 1). MC-21 prototype with domestic components completes ground tests. TASS. https://tass.com/science/1497606
[3] TASS. (2022, August 3). Russian PM stresses safety as top priority for domestic aircraft. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1498532
[4] TASS. (2022, July 26). MC-21 prototype with domestic components enters delivery tests. TASS. https://tass.com/science/1497472
[5] TASS. (2022, August 3). MC-21 serial production to start in 2026. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1498533
[6] TASS. (2022, August 3). 50 service centers to be created for MC-21 aircraft. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1498535
[7] TASS. (2022, August 3). Rostec to take macroeconomic situation into account in MC-21 financial model. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1498536
[8] TASS. (2022, August 3). Mishustin tasks Rostec head with preparing proposals for aircraft, helicopter production financial model. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1498537
[9] TASS. (2022, August 3). MC-21 to be tested with PD-14 engine. TASS. https://tass.com/science/1498534
In the context of Russia's domestic aviation industry, the MC-21 aircraft, now partially import-substitute, is undergoing certification flights with the goal of completing certification for the fully import-substituted version by the end of 2026 [1][5]. Simultaneously, the SJ-100 aircraft, also a fully import-substitute aircraft, is undergoing certification flights, with both the SJ-100 and Il-114 expected to commence serial production in 2026 [1]. As the MC-21 undergoes further updates with new technology, the financial model for aircraft and helicopter production is being meticulously developed, taking into account the macroeconomic situation and possible fuel subsidies [7].
