Production model of Russia's MC-21 passenger jet completes maiden flight

MOSCOW, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The production model of Russia's first serial-produced, fully import-substituted MC-21-310 passenger aircraft completed its maiden flight on Monday, according to the country's industry ministry.

The flight lasted for 1 hour and 23 minutes, reaching an altitude of up to 6,000 meters and an indicated airspeed of up to 600 kilometers per hour, the ministry said on social media. All planned flight objectives were successfully completed.

The aircraft was presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant in late July, when officials briefed him on preparations for the maiden flight.

Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Gennady Abramenkov said the plane has already completed about half of its certification flight test program. Deliveries of serial aircraft to airlines will begin after certification is completed, he said.

The plant confirmed its readiness to manufacture the first batch of 18 MC-21 aircraft. The aircraft are expected to be delivered to Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot under an existing contract.

The MC-21 is a narrow-body, medium-range passenger aircraft developed by Yakovlev Corporation. It is designed to carry between 163 and 211 passengers. ■