UAC to launch serial production of MS-21 jet in 2017, build 40 per yr by 2020
MOSCOW. Feb 10 (Interfax) - United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will begin serial production of the new MS-21 airliner in 2017, and will reach targeted production of 40 planes per year by 2020, the state company said in a press release.
"The timetable for the MS-21 program has not changed: the first serial MS-21 plane will be produced in 2017. By 2020, production of MS-21 aircraft will achieve the planned indicators and reach the level of 40 planes per year," UAC said.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said earlier that serial production of MS-21 liners would begin in 2020. "There are plans to launch this liner serially as of 2020," Rogozin said. Flight tests will begin in 2015-2016, he said.
Earlier UAC said that the first flight for the MS-21 was planned for 2014, that certification to Russian and international standards would be completed in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and that the first buyer would get the liner in 2017.
Russian and foreign companies have signed agreements and contracts for the delivery of 235 MS-21 family airliners. The largest order came from Russian Technologies, whose subsidiary leasing company LLC Aviacapital Service signed a contract with OJSC Irkut Corporation for the delivery of 50 MS-21, with an option to acquire another 35 jets.
The MS-21 program calls for developing a family short- and medium-range passenger jets. It will include three models: the MS-21-200, MS-21-300 and MS-21-400, with capacity for respectively 150, 181 and 212 passengers in a single class arrangement.
