IRKUTSK, September 28. /TASS/. Production of the first components for the shortened version of the MC-21 aircraft is already underway, Andrey Soinov, Director of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of the Yakovlev Public Joint Stock Company of the United Aviation Corporation (UAC) of Rostec said, adding that the aircraft is to take to the skies in August 2028.

"Our task as the manufacturing plant is to take the aircraft to the skies in August 2028. We will cope with this task. The first components are already being manufactured. Detailed schedules have been developed. Therefore, I have no doubt that we will take the aircraft to the skies by August 2028," he told reporters.

Earlier, Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry signed a contract with Yakovlev for research and development works on a shortened version of the MC-21 aircraft to be completed by the end of 2028.