OREANDA-NEWS. March 19, 2012. It is the first time JSC IRKUT Corporation is taking part in the International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation “India Aviation 2012” from 14 to 18 March in Hyderabad.

The main event held by IRKUT Corporation at the air show is the presentation of the MC-21 program for the South Asian airlines, as well as government and private aviation related organizations.

The presentation was held by the Vice-President on Marketing and Sales of civil aircraft, IRKUT Corporation - Kiril Budaev.

Representatives of airlines and the Government aviation services of India were provided with detailed information on the MC-21 program, features and advantages of the prospective MC-21-300 and MC-21-200 aircraft.

The full-size mock-up of the passenger cabin and the cockpit of the MC-21 were of particular interest for the presentation participants.

 Capt. Gurudutt, the Pilot of Air India said that the cabin and the interior are definitely far superior to the Dreamliner and added that he "will wait to see the actual performance of the aircraft".

Margaret Rasquinha, the Manager of Jet Airways described the economy-class cabin as "excellent" and drew attention to the very comfortable seats, large overhead bins and windows, and added that the interior "makes it feel like open atmosphere".

According to Capt. Sanjay Verma, the Vice President operations of the Religare Voyages, "cabin comfort is certainly better than what is being offered by the competitors".

The cabin and the cockpit were highly appreciated by the other participants of the event.

Summing up the presentations, Kirill Budaev said that due to the Su-30MK program IRKUT in India has a reputation of an advanced aircraft manufacturer and a reliable business partner. "The interest shown at the air show to the MC-21 program, indicates the possibility of expanding cooperation with Indian companies on civil projects", - said the Vice-President of JSC IRKUT Corporation.
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MC-21 program envisages the creation of short/mid range airliner family with wide range of operational capabilities focused on Russian and international markets of civil aircraft.

MC-21 technical performance will exceed the currently operated aircraft. Implementation of modern technologies will provide 12-15% operational costs reduction, the increase of comfort level as well as high level of flight safety.

IRKUT Corporation signed contracts and agreements with Russian and foreign companies for the delivery of 235 MC-21-300 and MC-21-200 aircraft capable of carrying 181 and 150 passengers respectively in the single class layout.