MC-21-310 import-substituted variant to reach 5,000 km range by 2029, officials say

Russian officials stated that the MC-21-310 passenger aircraft, built with domestically sourced components, is expected to meet its original 5,000 km design range by 2029. The announcement was made as two prototypes undergo official testing in Russia in January 2026.

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said the main driver for the expected performance increase is a reduction in aircraft weight. The MC-21-310 currently offers an average range of 3,000 km, suitable for most domestic routes.

In September, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) reported an initial range of 3,830 km for the MC-21-310, much less than the target expectec. The short-fuselage MC-21-200 variant, also targeting a 5,000 km range with 140 seats, remains on track for development by 2029.

“Certification for the fully import-substituted variant is slated for completion by the end of 2026,” said Sergey Chemezov, Rostec chief.

The MC-21 program underwent a shift in focus following the large-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine. The original version of the aircraft, the MC-21-300, was equipped with several Western components, including the highly efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF turbofan.

The UAC then launched an import-replacement variant in response to Western sanctions, but this delayed the program amidst growing demand for commercial aircraft from Russian airlines.

This situation led the Russian government to resume production of older aircraft such as the Tupolev Tu-214, which has rather inefficient performance.

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