Russia's Answer to Boeing 737 MAX Takes First Flight
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has celebrated a major milestone in Russia's aviation industry. The Yakovlev MC-21, designed to compete with Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo families, took its first test flight on August 3, 2026.
The MC-21-310 model, which will be powered by Russian-built Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines, flew for one hour and 23 minutes from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant at Irkutsk Northwest Airport (UIIR). The jet reached a maximum height of 19,700 feet while flying at 600 km/h (372 miles per hour).
The test flight marks a key step forward for Yakovlev as it looks to move towards full-scale serial production in anticipation of the MC-21-310's entry into service. An initial batch of 18 production airliners is now in the works at the Irkutsk factory.