The Irkut MS-21 was actually supposed to be in active service long ago, but the project is several years behind the original schedule. Now there is another delay because Rostec manager Sergei Chemezov does not expect series production to begin before 2025 or 2026.

The MS-21 is an important part of Russia's aviation strategy because the model is intended to help make it independent of Western machine types. Like the Sukhoi Superjet, this aircraft was not particularly well received on the international market. This means that most pre-orders come from Russian airlines or local lessors. Some of the Lessors are indirectly owned by the state.

The MS-21 project is already marked by the fact that it is several years behind the original schedule. Now the state news agency Interfax, citing Rostec manager Sergei Chemezov, reports that series production cannot begin this year, but rather in 2025 or 2026 at the earliest. This results in another delay.

The state-owned Aeroflot group was actually supposed to take delivery of the first MS-2022 in 21. This has not yet happened. In the aftermath of the military attack against Ukraine, the company was faced with the problem that numerous components purchased from abroad were no longer available due to the sanctions. Most recently it was said that mass production should begin this year and Aeroflot should have six copies delivered this year.

In 2021, the MS-21-300 received type certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Russian Federation. At that time it was planned that the first aircraft would be equipped with engines from Pratt & Whitney. These can no longer be obtained due to the sanctions. The original schedule called for Russian-made PD-14 engines to be offered as an option at a later date. This is now the only variant that can be ordered. However, there are problems with series production here too, so the project is significantly behind schedule.

Rostec claims that it has begun final assembly of individual MS-21s. These are said to be in different stages. Individual copies had already been produced as prototypes because they were also needed for certification by the Russian Civil Aviation Authority. Russian media write that 18 MS-21s are currently in final assembly, but it is not reported why they have not been completed to date. It can certainly be assumed that essential components are missing. Rostec has set itself the ambitious goal of having around 2029 Irkut MS-72s final assembled and delivered by 21. From today's perspective, very “sporty”; To date, not a single copy has been delivered to a customer and apparently this will remain the case until 2025 or 2026.