Article from BTNews 5 MARCH 2018
Aeroflot signs MC-21 deal
A landmark contract for 50 of the latest Russian-built medium-range aircraft, the MC-21, has been signed between Aeroflot and leasing company Rostec, making the state carrier the largest customer for the state-of-the-art model.
Under the firm order, Rostec leasing subsidiary Aviacapital-Service will supply Aeroflot with 50 MC-21-300 aircraft configured for 16 seats in Business Class and 153 in Economy. The first is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2020.
In the first phase of the contract, the aircraft will be delivered with engines produced outside Russia. From the 26th delivery, Aeroflot has the option to receive aircraft with new Russian-built PD-14 engines currently undergoing certification testing.
Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said: “This is a landmark event – Russian manufacturers have created the first next-generation passenger aircraft, marking Russia’s return as a global leader in the aviation industry.
“It also coincides with a no less significant achievement, namely Aeroflot’s return to the global aviation elite, as one of the top 20 largest airlines in the world. In today’s geopolitical context, it is essential there is competitive Russian-made technology, of the highest quality and competitively priced.”
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