S7 Group Chief Warns of Engine Crunch in Russia, Advocates for Reverse Engineering

Evgeny Elin, Chairman of the Board of Directors at S7 Group, has raised concerns about the limited service life of the PD-14 turbofan engines for Irkut-manufactured MC-21-300 narrowbody aircraft. Speaking at the Russian Industrialist Forum, Elin highlighted that the PD-14 engines have only 3,600 flight hours between overhauls, significantly shorter than the 40,000 hours typical of Western engines like the CFM International CFM56.

Elin emphasized the implications of the short service life, indicating that the engines would need to be removed and sent for overhaul annually, resulting in more downtime and less commercial service. He contrasted this with the Aviadvigatel PS-90 turbofan, which powers various Russian aircraft, having a 6,000-hour period between repairs.

S7 Airlines has faced challenges in acquiring the MC-21-300 as most units have been pre-ordered by Aeroflot. Despite this, Elin suggested that the airline has chosen a pragmatic approach, aiming to maintain its fleet of imported Airbus and Boeing aircraft for as long as possible. Extending the operation of Western aircraft under sanctions becomes viable if Russia can master reverse engineering, he added.

Elin pointed out the critical role of engines in aircraft and stressed the need for Russia to develop the knowledge base to catch up with modern Western engines. He urged active engagement in reverse engineering, emphasizing the possibility of mastering and mimicking advanced technology to extend the service life of equipment. By focusing on individual components that can be produced and restored locally, Russia can address the looming challenges in the aviation industry.

Despite the complexities, Elin asserted that actively pursuing reverse engineering is advisable for Russia, allowing the country to leverage its engineering capabilities and ensure the continued operation of aircraft beyond the limitations imposed by geopolitical factors and engine service life.

The MC-21-300, for which Aeroflot recently firmed an order, is expected to be introduced in early 2025. Elin’s insights shed light on the strategic considerations faced by Russian airlines and the importance of developing self-reliance in critical areas of aviation technology.