The first flight of the production MS-21-310 aircraft confirmed the production line's readiness to manufacture aircraft for airlines, stated aviation expert Roman Gusarov. According to him, the airliner is already in the form in which carriers will receive it after certification is complete.
However, according to the expert, the very fact of the first flight of a production aircraft is no longer considered the main event — previously, similar tests were conducted on prototypes. Now, it's about an aircraft assembled using future mass production technologies.
The MS-21 is ready in the form in which airlines will receive it. Certification procedures are currently being finalized, after which the finished aircraft can be transferred to carriers.
As the expert explained, launching serial assembly before all tests are completed allows for shorter delivery times. The manufacturer will not start production from scratch after receiving the type certificate but will be able to immediately transfer prepared aircraft to customers.
OAK reported that the first production aircraft confirmed the Irkutsk Aviation Plant's readiness to produce the first batch of 18 MS-21 airliners. These aircraft are at various stages of production.
The certification program is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. After that, the first production MS-21s will be able to enter regular passenger routes.
Earlier, "Perviy Tekhnicheskiy" reported that the first production MS-21-310 with PD-14 took off. The new airliner spent 1 hour and 23 minutes in the air.