RuAviation

The Il-114-300 regional turboprop programme is moving towards its first deliveries to Russian operators while the manufacturer is seeking to convert preliminary agreements with Indian companies into firm orders. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) expects the first Indian contracts by the end of 2026.

The first three production aircraft are being assembled at the Lukhovitsky Aircraft Plant near Moscow and are at an advanced stage of completion. One is due to be delivered to Arkticheskie Avialinii, the carrier of Russia’s Second Arkhangelsk Air Detachment, by the end of 2026, with two more scheduled for January 2027.

Aurora Airlines has a firm requirement for 10 Il-114-300s, with deliveries due to start in 2028. The Russian government has approved preferential financing for the programme, with the transaction documentation now being prepared. Aurora’s total requirement exceeds 20 aircraft, with at least 18 planned for delivery by 2030.

UAC plans to produce six Il-114-300s in 2028, followed by nine aircraft annually in 2029 and 2030, before increasing output to 12 aircraft a year. Rosaviatsiya has assessed potential Russian demand at 108–110 aircraft through 2035.

The programme is also seeking a foothold in India. At the Innoprom India exhibition in New Delhi, UAC signed preliminary agreements with Pinnacle Air for 50 aircraft and Sleek Aviation for 35. Sleek Aviation also intends to establish a training centre equipped with a full-flight simulator. The two memoranda could therefore provide the basis for up to 85 firm aircraft orders, although neither agreement is a binding purchase contract.

Indian ultra-low-cost carrier Air Kerala is being considered as a potential operator of up to 20 Il-114-300s. The aircraft could be leased from Pinnacle Air or Sleek Aviation rather than ordered directly by the airline.

Indian deliveries will require validation of the Russian type certificate by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The initial aircraft would be supplied from Russia once the validation process is completed. Russia and India are also discussing licensed local production, potentially involving Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Under the proposed licensing arrangement, Russia would provide only the design and production documentation required for components and assemblies to be manufactured in India. The Russian side would retain control over the aircraft’s sale under the proposed terms. Talks on establishing assembly at HAL facilities are continuing.

The Il-114-300 received its Russian type certificate in June 2026. Flight testing on unpaved runways is scheduled to continue through 2027, with approval of the corresponding change to the type certificate expected in 2028. A freighter variant is targeted for introduction by 2030.