Aviacionline
• Edgardo Gimenez Mazó
United Aircraft Corp. has flown the first production-standard MC-21-310 built on the serial assembly line in Irkutsk, advancing Russia’s import-substitution narrowbody program. The aircraft is part of an initial batch of 18, but the type still requires certification before deliveries—planned for Aeroflot from 2027—can begin.
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United Aircraft Corp. has flown the first production-standard MC-21-310 built on the serial assembly line in Irkutsk, advancing Russia’s import-substitution narrowbody program. The aircraft is part of an initial batch of 18, but the type still requires certification before deliveries—planned for Aeroflot from 2027—can begin.
Leonardo’s aerostructures business reduced its losses in the first half of 2026 as manufacturing rates increased on the ATR and Boeing 787 programs. Ongoing restructuring also supported the improvement, bringing the unit closer to break-even while highlighting the importance of sustained production growth to its recovery.
ATR is examining modifications to the ATR 72-600, including a first-class configuration and a front boarding door, as it seeks to renew U.S. regional airline interest. The effort is positioned as an uplift to passenger appeal and boarding flow while keeping the aircraft in the ATR 72 family.
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India is advancing a hub-and-spoke international network proposal covering 44 airports, including four major hubs. In parallel, Air India is rolling out hub feeder connectivity from Amritsar via “Easy Connect” and is restoring Delhi–Toronto nonstops from Aug. 1, 2026 by eliminating the Vienna fuel stop. ATR also argues regional turboprop aviation can strengthen archipelago connectivity across Indonesia.
ATR is evaluating a package of modifications to the ATR72-600 tailored to the U.S. market, including a forward passenger door and a configurable 50-seat three-class cabin. ATR director and president Americas Chris Jones said the company is also pursuing U.S.-specific certification upgrades to improve competitiveness.
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ATR’s sales chief says the regional turboprop OEM has experienced orders exceeding deliveries for the past three years. He argues that the growing role of aircraft lessors in ATR’s backlog provides commercial leverage, helping customers work around otherwise long order-to-delivery lead times.
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Brazil’s CENIPA has published its final report on the Aug. 9, 2024 Voepass Flight 2283 accident. It describes a chain of failures spanning severe icing conditions, crew actions, company maintenance/operations practices, and shortcomings in the regulatory framework.
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Brazil’s investigation into the Voepass ATR 72 icing accident says investigators found “strained resources” and schedule pressure that contributed to aircraft being flown knowingly in degraded condition. The report points to systemic maintenance-discipline shortcomings rather than a single technical lapse.
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