MC-21 aircraft are at the center of Ural Airlines’ plans, but getting them into the fleet may take years. The Russian airline is preparing to sign a contract for these new-generation narrow-body jets, developed domestically to reduce dependence on foreign aircraft. However, the high demand and production limitations are making immediate delivery nearly impossible.
According to Mariana Galagura, a representative for Ural Airlines, more than 900 requests have already been submitted by Russian carriers for the MC-21 aircraft. Despite the interest, full-scale production won’t begin until 2026. Once it does, priority will be given to Aeroflot, Russia’s flag carrier, pushing other airlines, including Ural, further down the waiting list.
While some carriers have turned to the Superjet 100 to meet short-term needs, Ural Airlines isn’t following that path. The airline has ruled out using the SSJ 100 due to its limited flight range of only 4 hours. For Ural’s operations, a minimum range of 6 hours is required, making the MC-21 the better choice for long-haul domestic and regional flights.
Even after Ural Airlines finally receives its MC-21 aircraft, the road ahead will still be challenging. The airline must retrain its pilots and technical staff, purchase new specialized equipment, and secure a supply of spare parts to support the new jets. These steps are critical to ensuring the aircraft are fully operational and integrated smoothly into daily service.
The MC-21 is seen as a symbol of Russia’s effort to rebuild and modernize its aviation industry. Designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, the MC-21 promises improved fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and greater comfort for passengers.
