Delay in MS-21 Aircraft Production
The Russian aviation industry has once again postponed the launch of serial production of the MS-21 aircraft, now until the end of 2026. The production of aircraft is not meeting reality: only 13 of the 127 promised aircraft were produced in 2023-2025. The crisis in the aviation industry is exacerbated by technical incidents and a shortage of spare parts.
The development of the MS-21 aircraft began in 2009, and its series launch was initially planned for 2016. However, deadlines have been repeatedly shifted to 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025. According to the latest data, three Il-114 aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2026. Meanwhile, over 800 aviation incidents were recorded in 2025, and about 200 were reported in 2024. These technical problems are compounded by the worsening situation in the industry, as 53 people died in civil aviation disasters in 2025.
Crisis in the Aviation Industry
The head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, Dmitry Yadrov, warned in October 2025 of a possible loss of 339 aircraft by 2030. The main reasons for the crisis in the aviation sector are:
- fleet cannibalization
- gray imports
- brake shortages
The situation indicates serious problems that require urgent resolution to stabilize the Russian aviation industry.
The postponement of the MS-21 aircraft production, as well as the significant number of technical incidents, indicates serious problems in the Russian aviation industry caused by both internal and external factors. — Source unknown
Delays in the project implementation may affect the country's competitiveness in the civil aviation sector, especially in light of global trends and safety requirements. It is currently crucial to implement systemic changes in the industry to overcome existing challenges and restore confidence in Russian aircraft.