The flight certification test program for the MC-21 aircraft has been completed by approximately half, with the main focus now on checking and approving import-substituted components. This was announced by the head of Rosaviatsiya, Dmitry Yadrov, clarifying the progress of testing of the new generation Russian medium-haul aircraft.
The MC-21 has already completed about 45% of the flight program. Evidentiary documents are being provided, and the approval of component parts is an integral part, probably one of the most important tasks. Because it was the component parts that needed to be completely import-substituted in order to create a domestic aircraft.
Rosaviatsiya noted that some new products have already received the necessary approvals, but work on a number of components is still ongoing. This refers to the formation of a completely independent production base for the aircraft.
In parallel, organizational changes around civil aviation programs are being discussed in the industry. Initiatives for the possible merger and rebranding of the MC-21 and SJ-100 projects have drawn criticism from experts who believe that priority should remain on completing certification and preparing for serial production, rather than on changing the brand.
Separately, the timing of the aircraft's entry into production is being clarified: the completion of certification flights is expected in the first quarter of 2027, after which serial production is planned to begin.
The first deliveries are already included in the production plans — this refers to the transfer of the first four to five production MC-21 aircraft in 2027.
