The MS-21, a Russian medium-range passenger aircraft powered by domestically produced PD-14 engines, is slated for mass production starting in 2025. This was announced by Denis Manturov, deputy prime minister and head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, during a briefing on state television.
“From 2025, mass production begins and the aircraft will be delivered to customers,” the minister stated.
Earlier, Manturov noted that the Federal Air Transport Agency had cleared the MS-21’s engine and wing for commercial use. He explained that each stage of expanding the type certificate would enable broader operational and maintenance access. In his words, the plane, as it enters service, must receive the most comprehensive certification, ensuring unhindered opportunities for both upkeep and operation.
According to the minister, creating the MS-21’s own wing and engine involved intense work. He highlighted that engineers from Rosatom in Yelabga contributed to wing development, enabling the replacement of imported equipment with Russian-made components for this critical element.
Manturov added that Novocherkassk Polytechnic Institute collaborated with other industrial partners to support the development and production of the required equipment.
Subsequently, the Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed to Irkut Corporation, part of Rostec, that it had approved major changes to the MS-21’s standard design, including the installation of the Russian PD-14 engine and the use of locally produced composite materials for the wing.
Additionally, on December 28, the aircraft received a certificate confirming operation at low negative temperatures.
In late December 2022, Irkut, together with the carrier Rossiya, organized nationwide demonstrations of the MS-21, including visits to Kaliningrad and Nizhny Novgorod. Kaliningrad’s governor noted that the region, which is not connected by land to the central part of Russia, anticipates earlier entry of the MS-21 into service.
Since 2008, Irkut Corporation has advanced the Russian MS-21 program. The liner is designed to accommodate between 163 and 211 passengers and represents a deep modernization of the Yak-42. It is positioned to compete in the same market as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo. A defining feature is its relatively wide fuselage for this class—4.06 meters—delivering cabin comfort closer to that of newer wide-body aircraft.
Initial plans targeted mass production in 2017 with entry into the market in 2020. However, the flight tests and certification roadmap shifted, with the long-range comprehensive certification originally expected by December 2021. The MS-21 conducted its first lengthy flight from Irkutsk to Moscow in October 2022.
As of early 2023, three MS-21 aircraft had been completed. In March 2022, officials indicated that mass production would face a one- to two-year delay due to external sanctions imposed in response to geopolitical events. Beyond engine integration, Russian engineers anticipated replacing approximately eighty subsystems and components to finalize the airframe for domestic operation.
Notes: this overview reflects reported milestones and regulatory decisions from national aviation authorities and the Irkut Corporation, with ongoing updates from industry partners and regional authorities. Citations are compiled from official agency statements and company briefings for reference.