What Happened
Geopolitical Turbulence Threatens Ambitious Passenger Jet Program
Russia’s MC-21 passenger jet has made its first test flight, marking a step closer to full production, which is set to begin in 2027. However, the project has been severely impacted by sanctions and shortages, forcing the Yakovlev Corporation to replace foreign components with Russian alternatives, which has resulted in a reduced range and compromised specifications. The Kremlin is pushing for the production of all-Russian planes, but industry insiders say the MC-21 in its current form may struggle to compete with Western aviation giants, according to a report by RFE/RL.