MOSCOW, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to deliver the first batch of its domestically developed MC-21 medium-range passenger jets in 2026-2027, a senior industry official said Tuesday.

Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Gennady Abramenkov said 18 aircraft have already been contracted, with deliveries scheduled within the stated timeframe.

Abramenkov noted that two prototype MC-21 aircraft have completed 76 certification flights out of a planned 232, along with 112 development flights.

According to the deputy minister, serial production has already begun under preliminary documentation, with adjustments being made as needed during the certification process.

The MC-21 has a designed capacity of up to 211 seats, with a maximum range of 3,830 km. The MC-21 project started out as international, but it later turned to the substitution of imported systems and components due to sanctions. ■