The first flight of the MS-21-310 and the transfer of the aircraft for further testing do not yet mean the launch of full-scale serial production. We can only talk about series production after the completion of certification and verification of the aircraft in real operation, according to Viktor Gorbachev, General Director of the "Airport" Civil Aviation Association.
According to him, the MS-21-310 is currently only a unique product.
20 aircraft have already been prepared in Irkutsk, but will it not happen that after six months or a year, half of them will end up by the fence?
Gorbachev reminded that the MS-21 type certificate has not yet been issued. According to the current schedule, the completion of prototype testing is expected in the first half of 2027, and the receipt of the certificate by the end of the year.
But even a certificate, according to Gorbachev, is not enough. After that, the aircraft will have to undergo verification by airlines. For this, the expert considers it necessary to involve at least 3-4 aircraft in regular operation.
Flight testing during certification is one thing. Currently, the fuselage is practically packed with instruments, only pilots and specialists who monitor the tests are flying. But when the aircraft goes into operation, when 150 passengers board it, then it will become clear whether everything is ready for serial production.
In parallel with this, the United Aircraft Corporation incurred a loss of 24 billion rubles by the end of 2025. MS-21-310 aircraft are being built under its leadership at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.