Aeroflot Orders 90 MC-21-310 Aircraft from UAC

Aeroflot has ordered 90 additional MC-21-310 narrow-body aircraft from the Yakovlev commercial aircraft unit of United Aircraft Company. The new order brings the total for Aeroflot to 108 aircraft. The Russian-Built MC-21-310 image: UAC The -310 version of the aircraft is the totally Russian built version of the aircraft, which was first certified with western components that became unavailable due to US and European economic sanctions that were imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. When the sanctions were introduced, UAC took action to develop a version that could be fully domestically sourced, including use of Russian built PD-14 engines, avionics, landing gear and other key components. The MC-21 first flew in 2017 with Pratt & Whitney engines. After the introduction of sanctions, the first Russian-built Aviadvigatel PD-14 powered flight occurred in 2020. That version became the focus of further developments for UAC, and certification of the fully Russian model, while delayed, is now on target for 2027. The Aeroflot Contract Aeroflot’s deal for new aircraft includes aircraft, flight simulators, crew training and technical support for the next 22 years. The signing ceremony included Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Minister of Industry and Trade and Minister of Transportation. “Today we are taking a step in the implementation of the Comprehensive Program for the Development of Civil Aviation,” said Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov. “The medium-haul MC-21-310 is being designed with efficiency and comfort requirements in mind, and next year it will receive its certification.” Aeroflot CEO Sergey Alexandrovsky stated “This contract largely determines the future of aircraft manufacturing and Russian civil aviation; we are already ready to start training personnel on the new type, including pilot, cabin crew, and engineers.” He added that it was an honor to be the launch customer and to be continuing a 103 year tradition introducing new domestic aviation technology. Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, said that “No country in the world produces civil aircraft on its own today, but our industry managed to do it in record time, which is why contracts that clearly set the delivery conditions, the deadlines, and the price are vital.” The Aeroflot Delivery Schedule First deliveries of the new 90 aircraft order to Aeroflot will begin in 2029, supplementing a prior deal for 18 aircraft that will be delivered in 2027 and 2028. 14 aircraft are scheduled for 2029, with 18 in 2030, 24 in 2031 and 34 in 2032. The Bottom Line Russia needs new aircraft, and the economic sanctions that prohibit sales of western aircraft required the acceleration of domestic designs. The MC-21 program with international components morphed into an all-Russian component model that avoids the impact of economic sanctions. The program, while delayed by the massive change in suppliers and components, is now closing in on certification and entry into service. Russia has a long history of aircraft manufacturing, and has replaced over 80 systems and components with domestic equipment, from engines to avionics to the composite materials for wings and the empennage. With a fully domestic supply chain, UAC’s Yakovlev unit can produce the MC-21-310 for both domestic and international customers such as Iran that are also impacted by economic sanctions. We expect orders from other Russian carriers and potentially Iranian and Cuban airlines once the aircraft is certified and enters service in 2027.

No results