Air TransportRussia is aiming to certify three domestically developed aircraft types in 2026, as authorities push to restore local production capacity following the loss of access to Western-built jets.
According to officials cited by Russian media, the turboprop Il-114-300 is expected to receive its type certificate in May, while the SJ-100 regional jet is scheduled for certification in July. Certification of the SJ-100’s domestically developed PD-8 engine is planned earlier, around April or May.
The medium-range MC-21-310, Russia’s flagship narrowbody program, is slated for certification in October. Authorities say around 30% of its flight test campaign has been completed, with roughly 200 flights and more than 250 certification documents still required before approval is granted.
The Il-114-300 has already completed most of its certification flights and is now undergoing final testing, including natural icing trials. Earlier projections had pointed to an earlier certification timeline, but the program has faced delays.
Both the SJ-100 and MC-21 are being tested in fully import-substituted configurations, replacing Western systems and components that became unavailable after sanctions. Current flight tests are focusing on systems performance, including anti-icing capabilities, with campaigns taking place over northern regions such as Arkhangelsk and Murmansk.
Industry officials say that once certification is completed, manufacturers will require several months to organize serial deliveries and prepare airline crews for entry into service.
Production of the three aircraft is already underway at different facilities: the Il-114-300 in Lukhovitsy, the SJ-100 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, and the MC-21 in Irkutsk. Certification would allow deliveries to begin and support the gradual replacement of aging and foreign-built aircraft in Russian airline fleets.
Russian authorities have indicated that airlines could receive up to 50 domestically built aircraft between 2026 and 2027, although that figure also includes other models such as the Tu-214.
