Certification and initial deliveries of the Yakovlev MC-21-310 have been delayed until no earlier than 2027, according to Rostec chief executive Sergei Chemezov. Speaking during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Chemezov reported that about one-third of the aircrafts certification flight campaign has been completed. He anticipates finishing certification in the first quarter of 2027, with mass production to follow.
This timeline pushes entry into service roughly a decade after the MC-21-300s maiden flight in May 2017. Chemezov had previously suggested certification and production could start by the end of 2026. The delays stem from challenges in replacing Western components with domestic systems, supply chain issues, and funding changes.
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has contracted PJSC Yakovlev for over 21 billion roubles (about $201.6 million) in research to extend the MC-21-310s type certificate by the end of 2027. Funding is phased through December 2027. By 2030, United Aircraft plans to produce 36 MC-21s annually, alongside 20 SJ-100 regional jets and 12 Il-114-300 turboprops.
The SJ-100 has completed 80% of certification flights, with approval expected in 2026 and production in 2027. The Il-114-300 nears certification, with deliveries planned for 2026.