Irkut MC-21 first flight planned for 2015

The Irkut MC-21 narrowbody aircraft’s first flight is scheduled for 2015, followed by certification in 2017 and deliveries in 2020. The Russian government is throwing its weight behind the project to ensure the aircraft is well placed for export, which could include an increase in the government share up to 69%. The remainder is to be covered by Irkut’s own funds (15 percent) and funding raised on the commercial market (26 percent). To ensure the latter part, the manufacturer is negotiating with the nation’s largest Savings Bank for about a $1 billion, 10-year credit line. The manufacturer claims it has