Aeroflot Group signs for 90 Yakovlev MC-21-310s, deliveries from 2029

Aeroflot Group has signed an agreement for 90 Yakovlev MC-21-310 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029 and run through 2032. The twinjets will use Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines.

The contract was signed in Moscow on 18 September with United Aircraft, United Engine and lessor Aviakapital-Servis. It covers the aircraft as well as training and aftersales support for 22 years, according to the airline. Russian president Vladimir Putin and industry and trade minister Anton Alikhanov attended the signing.

Aeroflot is already due to receive an initial 18 MC-21s in 2027 and 2028 under a previous contract signed in 2023. The new deal brings the group's planned fleet to 108 aircraft and includes technical support for all of them.

Alikhanov said the aircraft will be certified next year. The MC-21-310 was redeveloped to use a greater share of Russian-built equipment after international sanctions cut off access to Western components, an effort that produced some 80 systems. Aeroflot has not specified the configuration of the jets, which are designed to carry around 211 passengers.

Aeroflot chief Sergei Aleksandrovsky said the contract significantly determines the future of Russian aircraft manufacturing, adding that the airline and its partners will build an aftersales service system for Russian airliners. Rostec head Sergei Chemezov said the agreement ensures a clear workload for years ahead and creates a foundation for expanding serial production.

The airline said the contract documents set out the parties' obligations on delivery, leasing and technical support.