Focus on Aeroflot‘s Expansion through Yakovlev MC-21 Aircraft
Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, is planning to order 90 Yakovlev MC-21 narrowbody aircraft by the end of 2025. This decision, reported by TASS, arises as the airline seeks to grow amidst sanctions following Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in 2022. Aeroflot currently has 198 MC-21s on order, as indicated by data from ch-aviation.
Challenges and Plans for Aeroflot
The Russian aviation sector remains largely dependent on Western technology. Over half of Russia’s fleet comprises Western-manufactured aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing models. Even the MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet initially relied on Western components. The all-Russian MC-21 completed its first test flight only this year.
Ambitious Expansion Goals
Aeroflot’s ambitious goal is to expand its fleet to 460 aircraft by 2030, aiming for 50% of the fleet to consist of domestically produced planes. Presently, Aeroflot manages a fleet of 285 aircraft, dominated by 142 Airbus aircraft. There are also 75 Sukhoi Superjets and 71 Boeing aircraft in service.
The CEO of Aeroflot Group confirmed plans to take delivery of 200 MC-21 aircraft by 2033, with 108 expected by 2030. If the MC-21 gains type certification, approximately 29 aircraft per year will be needed to meet this target. At a recent forum, CEO Sergey Aleksandrovsky stated, “We have signed a firm contract for 18 aircraft and are negotiating terms for 90 more. We hope to finalize and sign firm contracts by year-end.”
Shifting to Domestic Aircraft Production
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western sanctions have severely limited access to foreign aircraft and parts, prompting a shift to domestic production. Initially, MC-21 models used Western engines and ancillary systems. Sanctions have accelerated the inclusion of domestic components, as access to American and European suppliers was restricted.
The first Russian-produced MC-21 took flight successfully in April 2025. Likewise, the Sukhoi Superjet, historically built with Western components, now transitions to Russian-made alternatives like the “Superjet-New,” powered by Russian PD-8 engines.
Future MC-21 Deliveries
Full certification from Russia’s civil aviation regulator is pending for both the Sukhoi Superjet and the MC-21. According to Rostec, over 20 MC-21 narrowbody aircraft are at various stages of completion, with customer deliveries anticipated in summer 2026.
| MC-21 Variant | Range | Max Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| MC-21-300 (With P&W engines) | 3,200 nautical miles (6,000 km) | Up to 211 pax |
| MC-21-200 (With P&W engines) | 3,500 nautical miles (6,400 km) | Up to 165 pax |
| MC-21-310 (Russified, featuring PD-14 engines) | 2,800 nautical miles (5,100 km) | Up to 211 pax |
The Yakovlev Corporation, part of the United Aircraft Corporation, manufactures the MC-21, with production handled by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. This aircraft is intended to replace previous models like the Tu-154 and Tu-204 series and compete with foreign models such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.
Aeroflot’s History and Fleet Composition
- Aeroflot IATA Code: SU
- Aeroflot ICAO Code: AFL
- Airline Type: Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s): Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport
- Year Founded: 1923
The MC-21 family includes the standard MC-21-300, the MC-21-200, and the newly developed all-Russian MC-21-310. The MC-21-310 seats up to 211 passengers with a range of 5,100 km, experiencing a reduced operational range due to the weight of Russian components compared to the original MC-21-300, intended to reach 6,000 km.
