In addition to writing for Aviation Week Network, Maxim holds a key position at Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine (www.ato.ru). In the past he was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications and earlier worked for the Moscow-based CAST defense think-tank.
Maxim has a degree on international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia, and for several years worked at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
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.
