The start of flight tests of the second serial MC-21 is expected at the end of October

The start of flight tests of the second production MS-21 aircraft is expected at the end of October.

The third production aircraft will be transferred to the flight test station on September 28.

Before the flight, the plant team is assembled at the flight test station to show the results of their work.

IRKUTSK, September 28 – RIA Novosti. The start of flight tests of the second production MS-21 aircraft is expected at the end of October, and the first flight of the aircraft is planned closer to October, said Andrey Soynov, general director of the branch of Yakovlev PJSC - the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (part of the UAC Rostec State Corporation).

“The second production (aircraft - ed.) is now at the flight test station. The systems are currently being tested on the ground. And we plan to fly this aircraft closer to October. Accordingly, the end of October is the beginning of flight tests of the second production aircraft,” Soynov told reporters.

The general director of the plant also said that the third production aircraft is in a high degree of readiness and will be transferred to the flight test station on September 28, after which a cycle of ground tests and the first flight will be carried out.

"

“The lifting of each production aircraft is both a serious reason to be proud and, of course, a celebration. Therefore, before the flight, we gather a team, bring it to the flight test station and, in fact, show it. We must be proud of the result of our work,” Soynov added.

In September, the largest contract in the history of Russian civil aviation was signed in Moscow for the supply of 90 MS-21 aircraft to Aeroflot; deliveries are expected in 2029-2032. In addition, Aeroflot will receive 18 MS-21s in 2027-2028 under the first contract.