Russia offers 105 Il-114-300 aircraft to Indian airlines

India and Russia's ties are no longer confined to defence. The two countries are now moving closer in civil aviation as well, with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) putting forward a major proposal for Indian airlines involving the Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft.

Under the plan, talks are on to supply a total of 105 aircraft to Indian companies, with production to eventually be set up in India as well. The figure is currently at the proposal stage, and final purchase agreements are yet to be signed.

Three Indian companies are part of the discussions. The plan involves 50 aircraft for Pinnacle Air, 20 for Air Kerala and 35 for Sleek Aviation. Preliminary agreements have been reached with Pinnacle Air and Sleek Aviation, while talks on Air Kerala's 20 aircraft are still ongoing.

The Il-114-300 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can carry around 68 passengers. It is seen as well suited to connecting small and medium-sized towns and serving airports with limited facilities, making it a focus for regional connectivity in India.

The most important part of the plan is localisation and technology transfer. Initially, some aircraft for India will be built in Russia. Technical and commercial agreements needed to begin actual production in India will be worked out subsequently.

According to Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade, the terms for localisation of Il-114-300 production in India are likely to be finalised by the end of 2026 or early 2027. It said UAC is ready to begin aircraft deliveries to India once the localisation programme is approved.

India is currently emphasising schemes such as UDAN to boost regional aviation, and aircraft like the Il-114-300 could find a large market in this context. Besides passenger transport in smaller towns, such aircraft could also be used for cargo, medical services and rescue operations.

This cooperation between India and Russia is unlikely to remain limited to aircraft purchases alone. Aircraft manufacturing, technology transfer, maintenance and local parts production could give a boost to India's aviation industry. If the 105-aircraft plan materialises, it would mark a new entry of Russian aircraft into India's civil aviation sector and could also strengthen domestic aircraft manufacturing.