Russian firm UAC finalizing production of first lot of passenger jets

Lead

As the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opens, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is putting the finishing touches on its first batch of civilian aircraft, with deliveries of the Tu-214 already underway and the first Il-114-300 expected to be released this year, according to UAC CEO Vadim Badekha.

In an interview with TASS ahead of the forum, Badekha said that the first lot of civilian airplanes is at the final production stage, and that certification efforts for the SJ-100 and MC-21 aircraft are also in the closing phase. The Tu-214 deliveries have commenced, and the first Il-114-300 aircraft will be released this year.

Coverage Comparison

The reports, all from TASS, cover various aspects of UAC's recent activities. One article focuses on the progress of the first batch of civilian aircraft and the ongoing certification of the SJ-100 and MC-21. Another details the planned unveiling of the Il-114-300 at SPIEF, while a third provides specifics on Tu-214 production and delivery schedules. Additional articles discuss the MC-21's flight range and pricing, as well as a potential contract with Aeroflot for a second batch of MC-21 jets. The reports consistently quote UAC CEO Vadim Badekha, with additional comments from Denis Pogodin, First Deputy Director of the Lukhovitsy Aircraft Plant, and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

Key Claims

Aircraft Production and Deliveries

UAC is finalizing the first batch of civilian aircraft, with Tu-214 deliveries already underway. The company plans to produce four Tu-214 aircraft in 2026, eight in 2027, and up to 20 per year thereafter, according to Badekha. The first Tu-214 aircraft will be delivered to special customers this year, with Red Wings set to receive them starting in 2027. Investments in technical retooling at the Kazan plant will enable this increased production capacity.

The Tu-214 is a Russian twin-engine medium-haul passenger aircraft designed for flights up to 4,500 kilometers. The upgraded aircraft received approval for changes to its standard structure last December, after successfully undergoing certification trials with domestically produced replacements for imported materials and components.

MC-21 Developments

The MC-21's confirmed flight range will be increased to 4,000 km as part of certification tests, Badekha said. He noted that this range covers 80-90% of current route networks, which is satisfactory for airlines.

Regarding pricing, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with Kommersant that the MC-21's price could reach around 7.4 billion rubles ($100.9 million) after 2030, as production scales up and costs decline. The production cost of the first aircraft will exceed the market price, and the authorities plan to offset the difference for airlines through state subsidies. Manturov added that an independent audit has recognized the price as fair and commercially viable.

UAC expects to sign a contract with Aeroflot for a second batch of 90 MC-21 jets in 2026, according to Badekha. Key parameters have been agreed upon, and the company is negotiating preferential financing formats. The first batch of 18 aircraft has already been contracted, and production is in progress.

Il-114-300

The Il-114-300, a modernized version of the Il-114 turboprop, will be unveiled at SPIEF. Denis Pogodin, First Deputy Director of the Lukhovitsy Aircraft Plant, told President Vladimir Putin that the aircraft is designed to replace aging An-24, An-26, and foreign-made ATR 72 and Bombardier aircraft. Serial production will be organized at the Lukhovitsky Aviation Plant.

Badekha said that the Il-114-300 has completed certification flights and is expected to receive certification in the near future. The Industry and Trade Ministry previously reported that the aircraft had completed an additional stage of certification testing in the Arctic. Production of 12 Il-114 aircraft per year is planned by 2030, with the first three aircraft expected to be delivered to the Second Arkhangelsk Aviation Detachment.

Tu-214 Production and Deliveries

Badekha confirmed that deliveries of the Tu-214 have already started. The aircraft is designed for flights up to 4,500 kilometers.

Perspectives

UAC and Government Officials

The reports rely on statements from UAC CEO Vadim Badekha, who presents a positive outlook on the company's production progress and future plans. He emphasizes the finalization of the first batch of civilian aircraftarty, the commencement of Tu-214 deliveries, and the upcoming certification of the MC-21 and Il-114-300.

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also provides an official perspective, focusing on the MC-21's pricing strategy and the role of state subsidies in making the aircraft economically viable for airlines. He expresses optimism about reaching consensus with airlines on leasing terms.

Airline Perspective

While the reports do not include direct quotes from airline representatives, they mention that Aeroflot has already contracted the first batch of MC-21 jets and is in discussions for a second batch. S7 Airlines has also confirmed its intention to sign a contract for Tu-214 aircraft, planning to purchase approximately 100 units. The reports indicate that airlines consider the MC-21's projected price acceptable.