Irkutsk Aviation Plant is scaling up its workforce to support the increased production rate of the MS-21 aircraft. According to CEO Andrey Soynov, the recruitment drive is aligned with the company's expanded manufacturing schedule and internal training programs.
The facility has already hired 173 new employees, with plans to add a total of 500 staff members by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Management reports that there is currently no shortage of qualified personnel for these roles.
New hires are sourced primarily from the local aviation and materials processing technical college. Employees without prior experience undergo a training period lasting between four and six months, supported by an internal vocational center and mentorship programs.
The plant aims to reach a production cadence of one MS-21 aircraft every 40 days by 2027. Additionally, the facility will begin in-house painting of serial aircraft in 2027, while the first flight of the shortened MS-21 version is scheduled for August 2028.
Aeroflot is expected to receive its second batch of MS-21 aircraft in 2029. The plant continues to integrate students into the production process through internships, ensuring they are prepared for full-time roles upon graduation.
