First serial-production SJ-100 completes maiden flight in Russia

The first SJ-100 regional jet built through serial-production processes made its maiden flight in Russia, marking a new phase for the program developed by Yakovlev, part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

The inaugural flight of the aircraft, registration 97004, lasted about one hour. The SJ-100 is designed as a narrow-body regional jet, with capacity for 100 passengers on short-haul routes.

The SJ-100 replaces the SSJ-100, which was developed in partnership with Western companies. Due to international sanctions imposed after the military actions in Ukraine, Russian manufacturers were required to find domestic alternatives for critical components.

This first production SJ-100 features Russian-made systems and equipment, including PD-8 engines supplied by United Engine Corporation (UEC), which substitute the previously used PowerJet SaM146 engines.

According to UAC, the aircraft’s certification process is ongoing, and 24 units are currently under production. The import substitution program for the SJ-100 involves more than 140 supplier companies.

The introduction of the SJ-100 with domestically produced components is expected to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, potentially impacting fleet renewal plans of Russian carriers and the regional aviation market in Russia.

Next steps for the program include completion of certification and delivery of the first production aircraft, which will determine the pace of wider fleet integration by Russian airlines.

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