1. Read the news items: a) say if the statements are true or false; b) make a summary of each one.
(1) First Flight Looms for MC-21
United Aircraft Corporation has revealed a revised timetable for the new Irkut MC-21 currently under development. Updating Russian President Vladimir Putin on the programme in mid-November, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said the first flight of the new type was expected in 'February, maybe the beginning of March'. He noted that Irkut was planning to upload new software to the aircraft in early 2017 and would complete final systems testing before the aircraft takes to the air.
The single-aisle jet, which is intended to rival the Airbus A320 and Boeing737, has been undergoing comprehensive testing since it was publicly unveiled in June. Two MC-21 prototypes have been completed to date – one example is at the manufacturer's plant in Irkutsk, Siberia, and the other is in Moscow Region. A third jet is due for completion by the end of December.
The prototype of MC-21 is undergoing refining after a maiden test flight.
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false
New software will be installed before the first flight.
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false
(2) Freighter Joint Venture Ends
Volga-Dnepr Airlines and Antonov Airlines have announced that their An-124 freighter joint venture, Ruslan International, will end on December 31.
The two companies created the offshoot in 2006 to jointly market their combined An-124-100 fleets, with the aim of improving availability of the unique ramp loading cargo aircraft for customers across the globe.
Vice President commented 'Our joint venture with Antonov Airlines has enjoyed ten fruitful years and during this time we have been able to ensure our global customers have benefited from the unique operating capabilities of the An-124 whenever and wherever they have needed them. With the world's largest fleet of the type, Volga-Dnepr is committed to maintaining this capability for our customers with our own services, supported by our worldwide offices'.