The largest contract in the history of Russian civil aviation for the supply and after-sales service of domestic MC-21 airliners was signed today in Moscow. The ceremony was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia Anton Alikhanov and the head of the Ministry of Transport of Russia Andrey Nikitin.
"Aeroflot" and three companies of Rostec State Corporation signed the contract — the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the leasing company "Aviakapital-Service" and the United Engine Corporation (UEC).
Under the terms of the deal, the airline will receive 90 MC-21 medium-haul aircraft from 2029 to 2032. The contract includes the cost of aircraft, exercise aircraft, flight crew training services, after-sales service for a period of 22 years.
"Today we are taking another significant step in the implementation of a comprehensive program for the development of civil aviation. The MC-21-310 medium-haul aircraft is being created taking into account the most modern requirements for economy, operational efficiency and passenger comfort. And next year it will be certified," Anton Alikhanov said.
The document clearly separates the obligations of all parties — delivery, leasing, and full technical support of aircraft. The air carrier maximizes the commercial flight time of the MC-21, and the supplier and after-sales service provider will ensure the serviceability and technical availability of the new airliners.
"This contract largely determines the future of Russian aircraft construction and civil aviation. This applies not only to aircraft production: together with our partners, we will build the most efficient after-sales service system for Russian airliners. We are looking forward to the arrival of the aircraft and are ready to start training personnel for a new type — pilots, flight attendants, engineers. "It is a great honor for Aeroflot to be the launch operator of the MC-21." Throughout its 103-year history, our airline has been putting the latest domestic aircraft on the wing, and we are proud to continue this good tradition through the years. Our passengers will be the first to appreciate the comfort and reliability of the Russian airliner," said Sergey Alexandrovsky, CEO of "Aeroflot" PJSC.
The MC-21 is a new generation medium—haul passenger aircraft with a capacity of up to 211 passengers. The airliner is based on the most modern technological solutions and is focused on the most demanded segment of the passenger transportation market. Advanced aerodynamics, PD-14 engines and latest generation systems provide it with high flight performance and a new level of comfort for passengers and crew. The aircraft has enlarged windows, a wider aisle between the rows of seats, and more spacious luggage racks.
After the sanctions of 2022 and the refusal of Western partners to cooperate, the liner had to be reassembled: about 80 domestic systems and assemblies, including engines, were created for the aircraft.
"No country in the world today produces civilian aircraft by itself. American and European manufacturers work in cooperation with foreign suppliers. Aircraft engines are produced in only 4 countries, not counting Russia. Our country, thanks to the support of the president and the government, was able to do everything on its own in record time. At the same time, contracts are important for the industry, in which the terms of delivery are clearly fixed: the number of aircraft, the timing, the price. After all, the production of a passenger liner is a long and expensive process that takes from one and a half to two years. The contract with "Aeroflot" provides a clear workload for years to come and creates the basis for a systematic increase in serial production," commented Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation.
The first delivery of aircraft under the new contract will take place in 2029. In 2027-2028, "Aeroflot" will receive the first batch of 18 MC-21 airliners under the contract, which was signed in 2023. The contract signed today provides full technical support for all 108 MS-21 airliners for 22 years from the date of delivery. In addition, the airlines will provide full flight and procedural simulators for flight crew training. The contract also provides for the training of technical personnel, the provision of software for aircraft maintenance and other after-sales services.
"With our key operator, we will build a strategic partnership aimed at comprehensively ensuring the efficient commissioning of a new aircraft — these include not only aircraft, but also after-sales service, repairs, and staff training. I am confident that through joint efforts we will make the MC-21 a true flagship of Russian civil aviation," said Vadim Badekha, CEO of PJSC "UAC".
Please note that this press release is based on materials provided by the company. AK&M Information Agency shall not be held liable for its contents, nor for the legal and other consequences of its publication.
