News
Aeroflot signs US$5 billion deal for 50 MC-21s
February 9th 2018
Russia’s Aeroflot will lease 50 Irkut Corp. MC-21-300 short- to medium-haul aircraft from Rostec leasing unit, Avia Capital Services. Read More »
The first MC-21 is scheduled to arrive at Aeroflot in the first quarter of 2020 with all deliveries completed by 2026. The aircraft will be on 12-year operating leases.
Aeroflot will become the largest operator of the new aircraft type. The Moscow-based SkyTeam member will configure the MC-21 with 169 seats -16 in business and 153 in economy class – and plans to fly the airplane on both domestic and international routes. Wi-Fi connectivity will be available on board the aircraft.
The first 25 MC-21s will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines and from the 26th delivery, Aeroflot said it has “the option to receive aircraft with new Russian-built PD-14 engines, which are currently undergoing certification testing”.
“This agreement underscores that Russia’s civil aviation industry is making a comeback and taking its place among leading global manufacturers,” said Rostec CEO, Sergey Chemezov.
“The MC-21 has incorporated cutting-edge materials and the latest generation of systems, created by leading Russian companies. Elements of the MC-21 that Rostec produces include titanium and composite parts, on-board electronics, chassis components, other systems, and the ‘heart’ of the aircraft, the PD-14 engine. We believe this engine will be selected by Aeroflot as the primary power plant for the MC-21,” the Rostec boss said.
Aeroflot’s current short- and medium-haul fleet is dominated by Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including 110 A320 Family series jets and 37 B737-800s. The airline also operates 40 Sukhoi SuperJet 100s.
Aeroflot CEO, Vitaly Saveliev, forecast that 2023 locally-produced aircraft will account for approximately 40% of the carrier’s fleet.
The Aeroflot chief said at the signing ceremony that “In today’s geopolitical context we believe it is essential that there is competitive Russian-made technology, and that it is of the highest quality and competitively priced. For this reason our partnership with Rostec, our largest partner and a shareholder of Aeroflot, is of critical importance,” Saveliev added.
