In 2024, Russia aimed to sustain its production cadence for key commercial aircraft, planning to manufacture roughly twenty SJ-100 liners and six MC-21 jets. This target was confirmed by a top official with responsibility for industry and trade, who outlined the plan alongside the broader state industrial program. The determination to keep the factory floor busy reflects a deliberate effort to balance domestic demand with the push to advance civil aviation capacity within the country’s aerospace sector. The stated numbers show a steady workload, designed to translate into reliable output across both the Sukhoi Superjet 100 family and the MC-21 family, reinforcing Russia’s intent to maintain a visible, ongoing cadence of aircraft assembly through the year. The plan is framed as a clear production goal rather than a one-off milestone, signaling a sustained manufacturing trajectory for 2024 and beyond.
The official noted that the production schedule would be managed to ensure that the SJ-100 and MC-21 lines operate at a consistent rate. As part of the plan, the workforce and factory resources are expected to align to match the output targets, with attention to serial readiness, supply chain stability, and the necessary quality checks. The emphasis on a maintained loading rate points to a controlled ramp in manufacturing, minimizing disruptions while accommodating ongoing certification and testing processes. This approach aims to provide airlines with a predictable flow of aircraft, enabling better fleet planning and service schedules across the domestic market.
Regarding certification, the same department head indicated that the MC-21 program would oversee the completion of its certification process in an updated form by the end of 2024. This would involve finalizing documentation, addressing any regulatory refinements, and confirming design and performance standards in line with current aviation requirements. The updated certification pathway is presented as a structured, phased effort designed to bring the MC-21 into regular commercial service within a clearly defined timeline, reinforcing confidence among operators and regulators alike that the aircraft meets all necessary safety and performance benchmarks.
Earlier in the year, the president of the United Aircraft Corporation outlined expectations for the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The plan anticipated the delivery of two import-substituted SJ-100s to Russian air carriers before the year’s end, with the remaining twenty units slated for delivery across 2024. This sequence illustrates the broader strategy of substituting imports with domestically produced variants where feasible, while continuing to fulfill airline commitments and maintain network connectivity. The messaging underscores a practical approach to asset renewal and fleet modernization within the national aviation market, balancing immediate deployment needs with longer-term manufacturing goals.
Meanwhile, Rostec reported that testing for the imported SJ-100 aircraft would begin toward the end of (the calendar year). The ongoing testing activities are part of a broader program to validate performance, reliability, and maintainability before integrating the jets into airline fleets. The testing phase is closely watched by industry observers as a bellwether for the pace at which imported platforms may transition to domestic production or be phased in alongside domestic variants, reflecting the country’s broader push to bolster aerospace self-sufficiency.
In response to the observed challenges tied to a rapid influx of foreign aircraft, Russia has acknowledged the need to recognize and address issues associated with the perceived “fading” of imported fleets. The emphasis has been on strategic planning, improved maintenance protocols, and targeted domestic production to reduce dependence on external suppliers. The overall objective remains to strengthen national capacity, support a stable operational environment for airlines, and ensure that the domestic industry can shoulder a significant portion of future demand with locally produced aircraft.