RuAviation

The prototype Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft (tail number 54115) has begun flight certification testing in the Altai Republic, Russia. Gorno-Altaysk Airport has been chosen as the base for these operations, offering dedicated facilities and support for the test team from the Ilyushin Aviation Complex (PJSC Il), a subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation, according to a statement from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

To support the program, the airport provides dedicated aircraft parking, ground handling services such as refuelling, electrical power supply, and security, as well as accommodation and workspaces for flight crews and engineers.

The mountainous terrain of the Altai region allows thorough evaluation of the aircraft’s performance in a range of flight modes and challenging weather conditions. On 22 October, as part of the certification process, two Il-114-300 prototypes conducted long-distance flights from Gorno-Altaysk. Aircraft 54115 flew to Kazakhstan, while aircraft 54116 travelled to Lukhovitsy, Russia, where PJSC Il’s production facilities are located. The latter flight took approximately six and a half hours.

“Testing in this region enables us to assess the aircraft across a full spectrum of certification scenarios,” UAC commented. “One of the Il-114-300 prototypes also completed a series of international flights, including an intermediate stop at Krainiy Airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.”

Daniil Brenerma, Managing Director of PJSC Il, noted that the project relies on the coordinated efforts of a wide range of Russian aviation enterprises.

“The Il-114-300 is in the final stages of certification. Testing is proceeding successfully. We will soon complete the program in the Altai region and return the aircraft to the base to finalise certification,” Brenerma said.

This stage of testing focuses on validating navigation systems—particularly for operations in mountainous terrain—assessing performance on international routes, and evaluating operational support at both primary and transit airfields.