Russia’s First All-Domestic MC-21 Jet Completes Maiden Flight

Russia has reached a significant milestone in its push for aviation self-sufficiency with the first flight of the MC-21-310 airliner built entirely with domestically produced components. The milestone flight took place on June 26, 2025, from Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) near Moscow, a hub for Russian aerospace development. The aircraft remained airborne for four hours before returning to the same airfield, marking a successful maiden mission.

This new version of the MC-21, a medium-range commercial aircraft originally launched in 2017, has been redesigned to eliminate all foreign-made parts following Western sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the U.S.-made Pratt & Whitney engines with the PD-14 high-bypass turbofan, a Russian-developed alternative designed by United Engine Corporation.

The flight marks an important step toward certifying the fully domestically built MC-21-310, a process that has faced repeated delays. The aircraft is now expected to receive certification by mid-2026, paving the way for its commercial deployment.

Aeroflot, Russia’s flag carrier and state-owned airline, is poised to be the primary customer for the MC-21-310. The airline anticipates taking delivery of up to 108 aircraft between late 2026 and 2030. According to the ch-aviation database, Aeroflot has placed a total order for 198 of the aircraft, with the remaining 90 units scheduled for delivery post-2030.

Russia’s other key civilian aircraft program, the Superjet SJ-100, is also undergoing full import substitution. The first domestically sourced SJ-100 successfully flew in August 2023, highlighting the country’s continued efforts to localize its commercial aviation industry.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/