The Belarusian state-owned company "Belavia", headquartered in Minsk, plans to increase its fleet by purchasing MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet New aircraft manufactured in Russia. This decision was made by the management against the backdrop of sanctions pressure from Western countries, according to the CEO of the carrier, Igor Cherginets.
Belarusian airlines cannot purchase Boeing, Airbus, Embraer aircraft, so they are negotiating with UAC. Minsk is waiting for the Russian side to produce the required number of aircraft. According to Cherginets, MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet New will enter commercial operation between 2024 and 2026. Currently, the "Belavia" fleet consists of 13 aircraft, with an average age of just over 13 years.
According to UAC, the localized version of Sukhoi Superjet News - SJ-100 will receive the Russian PD-8 engine. Documents for its certification will be submitted to the aviation regulator by the end of November 2023.
MC-21 received the first set of avionics developed by engineers from the Ulyanovsk Design Bureau. With the help of a special remote control, the pilot will also be able to control hydraulics, fuel, and inertial systems. The work is being carried out as part of the import substitution program.
Earlier it was reported that the flight of the SJ-100 with a new engine is scheduled for December 2023.