Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAP) is currently conducting serial production of the MC-21-310 aircraft in its assembly and systems integration workshops (ASIW). Around 20 airframes are on the shop floor at various stages of completion — from fuselage section assembly to systems installation and wing box integration. In early February, one serial aircraft underwent powered tests, verifying the onboard electrical network and system interactions, according to the plant newspaper Irkutsk Aircraft Builder.
Workshops 205, 245, and 255 manufacture fuselage sections and install onboard systems and components. Workshop 246 carries out fuselage and semi-fuselage mating. The final stage of systems integration occurs in workshop 249, where wing panels are attached to the center wing box. Completed airframes then move to the final assembly hall for equipment installation, interior fitting, and preparation for ground and flight tests.
IAP is accelerating MC-21 production through fully loaded workshops, streamlined operations, and experienced personnel who previously built prototype and early serial aircraft. An additional bay in the engineering building will soon be equipped for assembling removable wing components. This will shift some operations to earlier stages, reduce final assembly time, and increase the line’s throughput.
Two New Irkutsk Aviation Plant Facilities Nearing Completion
“As of today, approximately 20 airframes are at different stages of assembly in ASIW. Our assembly line, plant capacity, and equipment enable us to meet the planned production rate. Our team brings extensive experience, and production processes continue to improve to scale MC-21 serial output,” said Alexander Milyutin, Deputy Head of ASIW for Civil Aircraft Production.
The rhythm of assembly depends on coordination with other workshops and the delivery schedule of components from external suppliers. The next production phase will commence after certification of the import-substituted MC-21 version, which ASIW is actively preparing for.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s plan announced at NAIS-2026, 74 MC-21-310 aircraft are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2030: 4 in 2026, 14 in 2027, 12 in 2028, 20 in 2029, and 24 in 2030. By 2035, total MC-21 output could reach 264 aircraft, representing roughly 28% of the United Aircraft Corporation’s passenger aircraft production.
Assembly of Additional MC-21 Fuselage Sections Completed at Irkutsk Aviation Plant
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