Russia rolls out MC-21

RUSSIAN STATE-OWNED United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has rolled out its forthcoming MC-21-300 passenger aircraft.

The plane was unveiled at Irkutsk Aviation Plant, attended by Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev. It will be used for test flights initially, but will accommodate up to 211 passengers, competing with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing B737 MAX. Two more versions are planned – the MC-21-200, carrying up to 176 passengers, and the MC-21-400, seating up to 230 people. The first delivery is slated for 2017. UAC has 175 firm orders, including 50 from Aeroflot.