The new MC-21 aircraft, produced by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (part of the United Aircraft Corporation of Rostec), has arrived at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg. Online footage shows that the aircraft has already been painted in the livery of the "Rossiya" airline.
Apparently, this particular MC-21, although not a serial production model, is being prepared for regular flights.
The MC-21 import substitution project is developing successfully. In April 2025, the first prototype with Russian avionics took off, and in October, 14 aircraft had already been assembled at the factory in Irkutsk.
As a reminder, the airline "Rossiya" will be the first operator of the airliners and intends to use only MC-21 in the future. Meanwhile, test pilots have shared their feedback on the MC-21.
They enthusiastically spoke about the incredible handling of the aircraft and slightly lifted the veil of secrecy about the testing of onboard systems in the harshest conditions.
Earlier www1.ru reported that new Russian tires for the landing gear of MC-21 and SJ-100 airliners have successfully passed certification.