Russia's state-run Rostekhnologii (Russian Technologies) corporation and Irkut Corporation (part of the state-run United Aircraft Corporation) signed on Wednesday a $3.8-billion contract for 50 MS-21 passenger jets.
The contract was signed by Rostekhnologii chief Sergei Chemezov and Irkut's Alexei Fyodorov.
The MS-21 is a family of twin-engine jet aircraft still under development by the Irkut and Yakovlev design bureaus, part of UAC.
It has a 150-212 seating capacity.
MS-21 planes will be produced in three modifications. It will be Russia's first plane with components made of carbon fiber.
The new technology will save 25% in fuel and 15% in maintenance costs, as well as reduce harm to the environment.
