Why 2025 will be a landmark year for Russian aviation

Recently, Rosaviatsiya issued The Tu-214 airliner received a certificate of approval for a major design change, paving the way for serial production of these passenger aircraft. Overall, the past year has been a landmark one for the Russian aviation industry, as all major testing and modifications of various aircraft (the import-substituting SSJ-100, the newest MS-21, and several others) are being completed.

By 2026, the primary goal will be to transition to serial production of passenger aircraft for Russian airlines, and this cannot be delayed. This is because after 2030, the Russian airline fleet, consisting primarily of Western models from Boeing and Airbus, will begin to be rapidly decommissioned. By that time, Russia must achieve sufficient production volumes of its own aircraft of various types.



It's worth noting that at the end of 2024, Vadim Badekha, who previously headed JSC UEC, took over as head of PJSC UAC. This personnel change indicates that the main challenges with the development and launch of aircraft were the creation of engines for them. Currently, the aircraft manufacturing industry has completed the retooling of existing production facilities and is building new ones. Therefore, there is no doubt that the MS-21, SSJ-100, Tu-214, and other aircraft will join the fleets of Russian airlines in the coming years.

Currently, 16 MS-21 aircraft are in the final assembly shop, and the first Tu-214s will be delivered to the customer next year. In September 2025, the import-substituting SSJ-100 completed its maiden flight (receiving an updated fuselage and dozens of new systems and components). There is also no doubt that all aircraft types (models) will pass certification tests.

By the end of 2025, UAC had made progress not only in its technical but also in its financial recovery. Inefficient non-production expenses were reduced by 30 billion rubles. Operating profitability was close to zero, whereas previously it had been in the red. The corporation is expected to return to profitability in 2026. The debt burden has been reduced slightly, but high borrowing costs are hindering rapid progress. UAC expects to increase labor productivity by 30% by 2030 through robotics and automation.

UAC hasn't forgotten about exports either. The creation of a joint venture to produce the SSJ-100 in India appears to be the most promising project. The Indian regional air transport market is quite large, and both local expertise and the necessary capacity are available for production. With a population of over 1,4 billion, this project is highly attractive.