Russian Aviation Insider Aerospace

The flight range of the import-substituted MC-21-310 passenger aircraft is projected to meet its original design target of 5,000 km by 2029, according to First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. In an interview with Vedomosti newspaper, he attributed the anticipated performance gain primarily to reductions in the aircraft's weight.

This development addresses a previously disclosed performance gap. In September, the narrowbody plane's developer, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), indicated on its website that the Russified aircraft in a 175-passenger configuration would initially achieve a range of approximately 3,800 km—significantly less than the originally advertised 5,100 km.

Manturov insisted that even the current iteration of the MC-21, with its average range of 3,000 km, is suitable for the majority of domestic routes served by Russian carriers. Regarding longer-haul services, such as those to the Russian Far East, he noted that the existing fleet of western-made aircraft currently fulfills this role and is expected to remain operational for the foreseeable future.

A dual-strategy for the market

In parallel, the government official announced plans for a shortened-fuselage variant, the MC-21-200, targeted for development by the same 2029 deadline. This model, estimated to be six to seven tonnes lighter with a capacity for 140 passengers, is also designed for a 5,000 km range. Manturov suggested that market demand would ultimately dictate the necessity for two distinct MC-21 modifications offering similar range capabilities.

Certification pathway

The program's current focus remains on certification. Two MC-21-310 prototypes, featuring varying levels of Russian-made components, are undergoing official testing. Sergey Chemezov, head of Rostec—UAC's parent state corporation—stated in late December that certification for the fully import-substituted variant is slated for completion by the end of 2026.

The original MC-21-300, powered by the US-produced engines and equipped with Western systems, received its type certificate in December 2021. However, its production was halted following the withdrawal of international suppliers from the program in 2022 due to sanctions, necessitating the accelerated development of a fully Russian version.