The PD-8 engine has entered the final stage of certification, however the powerplant still has certain restrictions. This was reported by the head of Rosaviatsia, Dmitry Yadrov.
The PD-8 engine is virtually at the final stage, the 150-hour tests have been completed… One way or another, there also remains a number of issues related to restrictions. We are confident that by the completion of certification of the aircraft, the "Superjet" — with 130 flights remaining — these restrictions will also be lifted.
What specific restrictions of the PD-8 are being discussed, the head of the agency did not specify. In December 2025, the publication "Business Online," citing a source in the aviation industry, stated that the PD-8 does not provide the required thrust for flights with a full passenger cabin.
Initially, certification was planned for November 2025, but now it has been postponed to the first quarter of 2026.
Rostec reported that the PD-8 successfully completed the most difficult 150-hour certification test — a check under maximum operating load.