Russia’s MC-21 Airliner Fitted With New Wing As Irkut Prepares to Start Flight Testing

Irkut, a subsidiary of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, has just fit the first set of new composite wings to its MC-21 airliner. U.S. political sanctions against Russia have prompted the company to increase the use of Russian-made parts and systems, including the Aviadvigatel PD-14 engine. The Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-powered version of the aircraft has attracted orders from airlines both inside and outside Russia and plans call for it to enter service in 2023.