Russia Targets Remote Regional Routes for Il-114-300 Deployment

Russia is positioning the Ilyushin Il-114-300 turboprop for regional and local air services across the Arctic, Siberia and the Russian Far East, where limited ground transport infrastructure and low passenger volumes constrain the use of larger aircraft. The aircraft has secured type certification and is being considered by several regional operators as a replacement for ageing fleets serving remote communities.

Designed to carry up to 66 passengers over distances exceeding 1,400 km, the Il-114-300 is intended to connect smaller population centres with regional hubs and provide feeder services to the mainline network. Its potential operating areas include Arkhangelsk Oblast, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Irkutsk Oblast and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

The aircraft is powered by two Klimov TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines developed by United Engine Corporation (UEC). An auxiliary power unit, designated TA14-114, supports autonomous engine starting, electrical power generation and pneumatic supply to aircraft systems. The updated design also incorporates revised engine nacelles and wing geometry. According to Ilyushin chief designer Mikhail Alekseyev, these changes have improved the aircraft’s stability and handling characteristics.

The avionics suite includes three laser-based inertial navigation systems, intended to maintain navigation capability when satellite positioning signals are unreliable or ground-based navigation infrastructure is limited. The cockpit has been redesigned with revised ergonomics and safety provisions. Cabin features include enlarged baggage compartments, deeper overhead stowage bins and an integral boarding stair, reducing dependence on airport ground equipment at smaller airfields.

The programme involves a supply chain of approximately 100 Russian companies. Ilyushin is the lead developer, with major structural work distributed across several manufacturing sites. Voronezh Aircraft Production Association (VASO) manufactures the wing assemblies, engine nacelles and centre section, while Aviastar in Ulyanovsk produces fuselage panels. Sokol in Nizhny Novgorod manufactures the fuselage, and final assembly, systems installation and aircraft testing take place at the Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant.

The State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) estimates that three Russian regional operators could require approximately 40 aircraft. Aurora has indicated potential demand for around 20 Il-114-300s, KrasAvia for approximately 10, and IrAero for six. A further three aircraft are covered by an agreement between GTLK and the 2nd Arkhangelsk United Aviation Squadron. The latter, operating as Arctic Airlines, is expected to become the launch operator.

In Arkhangelsk Oblast, the aircraft is being considered for routes linking Arkhangelsk with Murmansk, Naryan-Mar, Syktyvkar, Apatity and the Solovetsky Islands. Aurora is also assessing its deployment across regional and local routes in the Russian Far East. Further potential applications include services connecting smaller settlements in Siberia and Yakutia with regional hubs, allowing passengers to transfer to longer-distance flights to Moscow, St Petersburg, Kaliningrad and other destinations.

With type certification obtained in June 2026, Ilyushin is now examining additional variants. The most advanced derivative under consideration is a freighter, intended primarily for operations in the Arctic, Siberia and the Far East, where relatively small cargo consignments must travel long distances to locations with limited transport links. Ilyushin also sees potential export opportunities in countries with large territories and extensive networks of small airports.

The freighter would require structural and equipment changes to accommodate cargo operations. Special-purpose variants for government customers, including the Russian Ministry of Defence, are also under consideration.