Maksim covers aerospace developments in Central Asia for Aviation Week. He has worked for Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine and was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications after working for the Moscow-based CAST defense think tank.
Maksim has a degree in international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow.
The MC-21 took off powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-JM engines. The alternative Russian powerplant – Aviadvigatel PD-14 just completed initial trials on the Il-76LL flying lab that enables it to start the certification tests.
Delays in development are likely to put the Russian aircraft as the last of the new-generation aircraft in its segment, which will likely limit its market.
