The new shortened version of the MC-21-210 airliner is capable of filling the empty niche between the SJ-100 and the “older” MC-21-310. This model will even be able to fly further than its counterpart, said aviation expert and executive director of the Aviaport agency Oleg Panteleev.
According to him, the MC-21-210 is more suitable as a base for special purpose aircraft or business jets, but not for regular flights from Moscow to Yakutsk or Blagoveshchensk.
The MC-21-210 should solve two problems. On the one hand, to fill the empty niche between the SJ-100 and the MC-21-310. On the other hand, by reducing the empty weight while maintaining a sufficiently high maximum take-off weight, it will be possible to carry more fuel and, as a result, fly further.
A few weeks ago, information appeared that the MC-21-210 is designed for approximately 140–150 passengers and should occupy the niche of medium-haul liners, where Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 dominate.
The aircraft will receive PD-14 engines, a unified cockpit, and lightweight structural elements. Yakovlev engineers are also working on reducing the weight of the liner.