Russia's Vnesheconombank Not Engaged in Talks on MC-21 Aircraft Deliveries

Russian government-owned development bank Vnesheconombank is not engaged in talks with foreign companies regarding the purchase of the MC-21 aircraft, but closely monitors the project, bank's Chairman Sergey Gorkov told Sputnik on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) — The first flight of the new MC-21-300 passenger airliner took place on Sunday. The aircraft might carry 150 —211 passengers, and it is expected to replace Soviet Tu, Yak and An aircraft.

"So far, we do not conduct any talks on the supplies to foreign companies — the first MC-21 aircraft has just made a flight. Therefore, we will actively work now," Gorkov said.

Gorkov added that the aircraft might be sold later to many countries, adding that no one expected the SSJ100 aircraft to be purchased by the European countries, nevertheless many states turned out to be interested in it.

The 21st SPIEF is scheduled for Thursday-Saturday and is expected to gather high-ranking politicians and prominent business leaders from dozens of countries. The Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency is the official media partner of the forum.