Russian economic zone in Belgrade to be sales center for passenger aircraft MC-21

Russia is interested in opening an economic zone in Belgrade, within which a sales center for the new passenger aircraft MC-21, a serious competition to Boeing and Airbus, is to operate as well, Novosti learns.

As the newspaper reports, the idea was made public by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Rogozin during his recent meeting with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic.

They discussed the shipment of six MiG-29 planes, transport aircraft and combat vehicles for the needs of the Serbian armed forces, but the guest from Moscow used the opportunity to put forward this attractive idea as well.

According to the newspaper's findings, this should soon be discussed at the meeting of the two states' intergovernmental committees.

In concrete terms, if it got established, the said economic zone would be attractive to investors and industrialists from the West, who are not able to trade directly with Russians due to the sanctions imposed on the Kremlin, whereas Serbia, as a kind of a proxy between the East and the West, would also benefit from the arrangement.

Rogozin is convinced that the implementation of the idea about the economic zone would strengthen not only the strategic, but also the economic ties between the two countries.

MC-21 had its maiden flight on May 29, and it is equipped with the latest electronic component and engines. Its capacity is 163 to 211 passengers, depending on the type. The name MC-21 means “the mainline aircraft of the 21st century”.

MC 21 passenger aircraft

MC 21 sales center

Russian economic zone Belgrade

Dmitry Rogozin

Aleksandar Vucic

Boeing

Airbus