According to Watanabe, Russian aircraft manufacturers have managed to succeed in accomplishing what Boeing and Airbus failed to do, namely, the creation of an airplane wing with the help of inexpensive new technology.
Watanabe recalled that the MC-21's wings and tail are made of carbon composite materials, which "signals an attempt to successfully compete with the most advanced passenger planes, including the US's Boeing 787."
The expert specifically drew attention to the fact that the production costs of the MC-21's main components were significantly lower than those of Boeing 787 jets.
Earlier, it was reported that the MC-21 is expected to cost 70 million dollars, in contrast with the Airbus A320 (102.8 million) dollars and Bombardier CS300 (80 million dollars).
The airliner is capable of transporting between 150 and 230 passengers over 5,000 km (3,105 miles). The plane is due to begin flight tests towards the end of 2016.
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Russia plans to sell up to 1,000 MC-21 jets within the next 20 years.
