The MS-21 medium-haul jetliner, to be developed by Russian aircraft majors Ilyushin, Tupolev and Yakovlev in association with Chinese companies, will be 20%-25% more efficient than the Boeings and Airbuses of its class, Ilyushin deputy head Vladimir Belyakov said.
The single aisle MS-21, expected to begin service in 2012, will be designed to seat 130 to 170 passengers and fly up to 5,000 kilometers. Its target price is $35 million, compared to the $56 million for the similarly sized Boeing 737-700. It will have 15% better structural weight efficiency, 20% lower direct operating costs and 15% lower fuel consumption than the Airbus A320.
Another advanced medium-range Russian airliner, the RRJ, is being developed by the aircraft company Sukhoi in cooperation with Ilyuishin and Yakovlev. Its service entry is due in 2007.
Both projects are aimed at upgrading Russia's aging jet fleet and restoring its positions on the global commercial airliner market.
Aeroflot, the nation's flagship commercial airline, suggested Friday that the government scrap duties on imported aircraft for Russian airline operators, arguing that most of the locally made jets currently in service fall short of international standards.
