The Irkut MC-21 Debut at MAKS and Customer Orders

Russia’s latest passenger airliner made its debut at the MAKS airshow in Russia last week and came away with a number of important orders.

The Irkut MC-21-300 is a narrowbody airliner with a capacity for 132-163 passengers and 5,000km range.

It features a design which heavily involves carbon-composites and modern cockpit avionics, and the manufacturer boasts operating costs of 5% to 7% lower than its Western-built competitors.Three aircraft were present at the MAKS airshow, which was a treat for enthusiasts, with one flying and two as static exhibits demonstrating different cabin interior options.

Orders for the type now stand at 170 firm and 160 options. New orders at the MAKS airshow came from Bek Air and Yakutia Airlines.

The biggest customer so far is national carrier Aeroflot, which has orders 50 examples.

The MC-21-300 is currently undergoing its certification process, with deliveries hoped to begin in 2020.