IRKUTSK, September 28 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Deliveries of MC-21 aircraft to other countries are currently under discussion but may not begin until after 2032, as the manufacturer's production capacity is fully booked until then, Andrey Soynov, the CEO of the aircraft's producer, Irkutsk Aviation Plant, (branch of PJSC Yakovlev, which is part of the United Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation).

Our teams are currently exploring the possibility of supplying these aircraft to friendly nations. There is interest — discussions, meetings, and presentations showcasing the aircraft's capabilities are underway. Following the contract signed last week, our production capacity is fully committed through 2032. Consequently, while we are working on the export market, any agreements reached will be for the period beyond 2032, Soynov told reporters.

He also noted that although it was technically feasible to expand production capacity, there were no plans to do so.

If we were to increase output and build the necessary capacity — spending money in the process — we would then need to maintain that level of capacity. Should demand drop, perhaps due to a cyclical downturn, it would be painful for us. Therefore, we are systematically ramping up to our target capacity and intend to maintain that specific production rate. For now, we do not plan to exceed 36 aircraft per year, Soynov emphasized.

In September, the largest contract in the history of Russian civil aviation was signed in Moscow for the delivery of 90 MC-21 aircraft to Aeroflot, with deliveries scheduled for 2029–2032. Additionally, Aeroflot is set to receive 18 MC-21s between 2027 and 2028 under an earlier contract.

The MC-21 is a medium-haul, narrow-body aircraft developed by the Yakovlev Corporation (part of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation). This new-generation aircraft has a seating capacity of 163 to 211 passengers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar