MOSCOW– Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has transferred the first serial-production Yakovlev MC-21-310 to its flight-test division, marking another milestone in the country’s effort to bring its domestically equipped narrowbody airliner into commercial service.
The aircraft was assembled at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant and moved to the flight-test department while certification activities continue.
The MC-21-310 is expected to become one of the cornerstone aircraft of Russia’s civil aviation sector, with Rossiya Airlines (FV) slated to be the launch operator once regulatory approvals are secured.
Russia MC-21 Production Advances
The transfer of the first production-standard aircraft comes as UAC pursues a dual-track strategy of certification and manufacturing. While test programs continue in Moscow, assembly lines in Irkutsk have already begun producing aircraft intended for future airline deliveries.
According to the manufacturer, moving the aircraft to the flight-test department allows engineers to begin evaluating onboard systems ahead of schedule.
The process will also help refine procedures related to aircraft preparation, testing, and customer handover.
The MC-21-310 represents Russia’s most advanced domestically developed passenger jet program in decades. The aircraft has been redesigned to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, incorporating Russian-made systems and components in place of previously imported equipment.
This import-substitution effort accelerated following international sanctions that affected access to Western aerospace technology and components.
Certification Continues for the MC-21
Although the aircraft has entered the flight-test preparation phase, certification remains a critical milestone before commercial operations can begin.
UAC stated that the aircraft will only be delivered to customers after certification testing is completed and authorities approve major modifications made under the type certificate program.
These modifications include the integration of domestic equipment across multiple aircraft systems.
The MC-21-310 is powered by Aviadvigatel PD-14 turbofan engines, making it one of the few modern narrowbody airliners to use an entirely Russian-developed powerplant.
The PD-14 has been positioned as a key element of Russia’s long-term aerospace strategy and is expected to support the country’s push for greater self-reliance in civil aviation manufacturing.
As testing progresses, engineers will evaluate aircraft performance, system functionality, and operational readiness before the type enters commercial service.
Delivery Plans Grow
The movement of the aircraft to the flight-test division also creates additional capacity on the final assembly line.
According to Irkutsk Aviation Plant General Director Andrei Soynov, the step frees up production space for subsequent aircraft already moving through the manufacturing process, Flight Global flagged.
The company has simultaneously increased assembly activities while supporting certification efforts, signaling confidence in the program’s development timeline.
UAC ultimately aims to achieve an annual production rate of 36 MC-21 aircraft. Reaching that target would significantly expand Russia’s domestic aircraft manufacturing capability and provide local carriers with an alternative to Western-built narrowbody jets.
Rossiya Airlines, part of Aeroflot Group (SU), has previously been identified as the first airline expected to receive the MC-21-310. The delivery timeline will depend on the successful completion of certification activities and final regulatory approvals.
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