Russian govt to allocate extra over 61 bln rubles for MC-21 civilian aircraft project

MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - The Russian government will allocate over 61 billion rubles more on the MC-21 civilian aircraft project, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"As instructed by the president, we will allocate additionally over 61 billion rubles to carry out research and development under the MC-21 project, as well as for import substitution of components, the manufacturing, and the aircraft's post-sale maintenance. These funds are to be provided as part of so-called advanced financing," Mishustin said.

This funding should guarantee the MC-21's functionality and reliability, as well as the necessary supply of spare parts, components, and systems for it, he said.

"All of this should help maintain a stable workload of domestic manufacturing facilities, build our own aircraft fleet and the necessary infrastructure, and open up opportunities and good prospects for the industry, including export ones," he said.

The MC-21 is a family of medium-haul passenger airliners being developed by enterprises incorporated in Rostec

The latest information from industry officials indicates that the certification of the MC-21-300, the plane's base version seating from 163 to 211 passengers, is expected to take place before the end of 2021, and it should start being manufactured in 2022.