On March 24, 2021, an MC-21-300 prototype aircraft manufactured by PJSC Irkut Corporation (part of PJSC UAC of Rostec State Corporation) flew to Arkhangelsk airport for certification tests under natural icing conditions over the White Sea coast, reported by the press service of the Irkut corporation.

The combination of high humidity and low temperatures in the region's airspace contributes to the formation of ice on aircraft surfaces. During the course of about 20 flights, there will be tested the effectiveness of the MC-21-300 anti-icing systems and the ability of the aircraft as a whole to safely fly under these conditions.

Special equipment, including 12 video cameras, is installed on the aircraft to record the operation in icing zones. Experts from the Irkut Corporation and companies participating in the cooperation and also experts from certification centres will take part in the tests. The airport services in Arkhangelsk will provide organizational support for the tests.