The Russian regional turboprop passenger aircraft Il-114-300 continues to advance steadily through its certification process. New photographs dated November 16 and 19, 2025, depict aircraft number 54115 once again taking off into the sky from Zhukovsky. By this point, the test fleet had already conducted approximately 190 certification flights, and the total number continues to increase each week.
Less than a month before, the same aircraft completed a series of flights in the Gorno-Altai region, where it was evaluated in mountainous terrain and challenging meteorological conditions. These flights form a vital component of the certification strategy, showcasing the aircraft’s efficacy in high-altitude conditions and demanding regional environments. As the number of completed tests nears the target, the program is evidently entering its peak phase, with testing activity persisting nearly daily.
What the Il-114-300 Signifies: A New Era in Russian Regional Aviation
The Il-114-300 is a completely locally manufactured Russian regional turboprop aircraft. Its fuselage, engines, avionics, and all its main parts are engineered and produced domestically. The aircraft is an upgraded version of the original Il-114 platform, redesigned to satisfy modern requirements for safety, fuel efficiency, and dependable performance on regional routes.
One of the main benefits of the Il-114-300 is its capacity to operate effectively at remote and minimally equipped airfields—many of which feature short or unpaved runways, limited navigational infrastructure, and severe weather conditions. These features render it especially appropriate for areas such as Siberia, the Far East, and the Russian North. In terms of performance and passenger capacity, it is comparable to popular modern regional turboprops such as the ATR-72.
The aircraft is equipped with two TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines, each generating approximately 2,900 horsepower. These engines power low-noise, six-bladed AV-112-114 propellers and were specifically designed to improve fuel efficiency and minimize repair costs. The aircraft additionally integrates advanced composite materials, an updated digital flight deck, and a completely redesigned ergonomic cockpit.
According to official specifications, the Il-114-300 is capable of accommodating up to 64 passengers on routes of up to 2,000 kilometers, with a cruising speed ranging from 450 to 500 km/h. This renders it well-suited for medium-range regional routes and addresses a significant void left by the aging Soviet-era An-24 and An-26 aircraft, many of which are approaching the end of their operational lifespan.
Certification Status: Approaching Completion
The comprehensive certification strategy for the Il-114-300 comprises 270 designated flights conducted by three test aircraft. Aircraft number 54115—designated OP-2—is the first Il-114-300 made wholly from the ground up. It was built in 2023 and commenced flight operations in 2024. The OP-1 aircraft, which was created through modifications to an existing Il-114 airframe, started flight testing in 2020. A third test aircraft, OP-3 (registration number 54116), participated in the certification campaign in March 2025.
All certification flights are planned to be completed within the first quarter of 2026. Subsequently, the first three aircraft manufactured serially are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. At the Lukhovitsy aircraft manufacturing facility, where ongoing production is taking place, a minimum of six serial Il-114-300 aircraft are presently in assembly, although the exact level of their completion has not yet been formally disclosed.
A further major milestone was reached in November 2025, when the AV-112-114 propeller, used on the Il-114-300, obtained its official certification. This approval is essential, as the propeller is an essential part of the aircraft’s flight performance and safety standards.
With certification approaching completion and production steadily increasing, the project is progressing confidently toward its operational launch.
The Significance of the Il-114-300 for Russia
The Il-114-300 holds strategic importance for Russia’s regional aviation industry. Many remote regions depend extensively on air transportation owing to long distances, inadequate road infrastructure, severe climates, and isolated communities. The capability of the Il-114-300 to operate from short or lightly prepared airstrips provides unique benefits over foreign alternatives.
From an economic perspective, the aircraft offers reduced fuel consumption in comparison to many older regional turboprop models. For airlines servicing routes with reduced passenger volumes, fuel efficiency can determine whether they suffer a loss or gain profitability. Government agencies and state-owned businesses are also anticipated to emerge as main clients, using the aircraft for transportation in isolated areas, Arctic activities, and specialized missions.
The Il-114-300 also serves a key function within Russia’s overall plan for industrial self-sufficiency. It lessens dependence on imported aviation technology and components, particularly during the time when sanctions and Western political pressures have limited access to foreign aircraft and parts. The development of a completely domestically produced regional aircraft promotes the national objective of technological independence.
Once operational, the Il-114-300 will likely greatly modernize the regional fleet while improving transportation accessibility nationwide, particularly in areas where aviation is essential rather than a convenience.
Expected Developments in the Upcoming Months
The aviation sector will be carefully monitoring multiple significant developments in the months to come. The most important milestone will be the official issuance of the type certificate, signaling the formal conclusion of the flight-test program. Subsequently, focus will turn to the handover of the first serial aircraft to operators, scheduled for late 2026. These aircraft will start operations on regional routes, including those in remote northern and far-eastern areas, thereby contributing to the re-establishment of stable aviation connectivity.
There is also an increasing interest in the possible export of the Il-114-300. Countries facing comparable geographical and infrastructural challenges—such as long distances, harsh climates, and limited airport facilities—may consider the aircraft favorable for their regional networks. If export demand materializes, it could contribute to increasing production volumes and further revitalize the domestic aviation sector.