First Production SJ-100 Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight
05.09.2025
The first production SJ-100 regional jet (serial number 97004, registration 97024) successfully completed its maiden flight at the Dzyomgi airfield, part of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant. The aircraft was manufactured at the Production Center of the “Regional Aircraft” Branch of Yakovlev PJSC and is fully equipped with Russian-made systems, including PD-8 engines, according to the United Aircraft Corporation.
The flight was conducted by the Flight Test Center crew, consisting of Yakovlev PJSC test pilots—Captain Dmitry Savonin and Leonid Chikunov—and lead flight test engineer Vladislav Tyurin, who served as flight operator. The flight lasted approximately 60 minutes, during which the Superjet reached an altitude of 10,000 feet. The crew evaluated the performance of onboard systems and components under various operating conditions.
“All flight objectives were met, and all aircraft systems operated nominally. The crew reached both minimum and maximum speeds and an altitude of 10,000 feet. No discrepancies were reported. The aircraft demonstrated stable handling and was comfortable to operate. The engines performed reliably across all tested throttle settings and acceleration modes. The entire crew was satisfied with the flight,” commented Captain Dmitry Savonin after landing.
Andrey Soynov, Director of the Production Center at Yakovlev PJSC, noted that the final assembly shop at Komsomolsk-on-Amur is currently undergoing reconstruction, with a new assembly line being established in parallel. “Twenty-four aircraft are at various stages of completion, and this is the first to launch the series. Today marks the beginning of flight testing for production aircraft. The new Superjet variant features not only Russian-made components but also significant upgrades to the plant’s technical infrastructure, replacing legacy imported equipment with domestic alternatives,” he said.
Soynov added that wing-to-fuselage mating is performed on a Russian-built assembly jig. A backlog of production aircraft is being formed to ensure rapid deliveries to airlines following certification.
“The SJ-100 import substitution program is entering the serial production phase. The program team, which includes over 140 first-tier suppliers, has worked intensively to bring the first aircraft built with production technologies to flight,” stated Alexander Dolotovsky, Director of the “Regional Aircraft” Branch at Yakovlev PJSC.
Transitioning the SJ-100 to domestic components is the result of extensive modernization of the SSJ100 airframe and manufacturing processes at Yakovlev’s Production Center and partner facilities. The import substitution program has replaced 64 key systems and components, achieving 70–80% localization. Russian-made avionics, landing gear, auxiliary power unit, flight control systems, electrical power supply, air conditioning, fire protection, passenger cabin interior, and other systems have been installed.
“Fuselage and airframe modifications enabled integration of new systems and simplified aircraft maintenance. Production is based on standardized design documentation, ensuring component unification and reduced assembly time,” the United Aircraft Corporation press office reported.
With limited access to foreign components, the import substitution program is critical for maintaining and developing industry expertise and supporting the domestic fleet for internal air transport. Certification testing is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with deliveries to Russian operators scheduled to begin in spring 2026. The domestically produced Superjet 100 will strengthen Russia’s position in the domestic aviation market and enhance the industry’s technological independence.
