Irkut MC-21 order backlog reaches 235

Russian manufacturer Irkut told reporters at the Dubai Airshow that its short- to mid-range MC-21 has reached a backlog of 235 orders. The aircraft, Irkut claimed, will provide 10% more fuel burn reduction than the A320neo, without the use of winglets, which it dismissed as a detriment to the aerodynamics of the plane.

"We do not even need sharklets or winglets," Irkut VP-sales Kirill Budaev said. He noted that the MS-21, which will feature a 22.5 in. aisle, is built to give a "widebody feeling in a narrowbody aircraft." It will also feature wide windows, a wide fuselage, rounded overhead bins and Zodiac Aerospace seats.

The aircraft is slated for firm configuration in 2012, first flight in 2014 and entry into service in 2017.