The Il-114-300, a new regional turboprop aircraft, has started its first deliveries in Russia. The program’s transition from certification and testing to actual airline operations was marked by the announcement of the development by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
The first aircraft are being delivered to the Second Arkhangelsk United Air Squadron. Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Industry and Trade, announced in July that the initial Il-114-300 would be delivered in August, with two additional aircraft scheduled for delivery in October and November. This implies that the Arkhangelsk operator expects to receive three initial aircraft in 2026.
Three Aircraft for Arkhangelsk
The deliveries to Arkhangelsk are of particular importance, as they mark the beginning of the Il-114-300’s regular operational use. The aircraft was granted its type certificate by the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia in June, thereby enabling its commercial operation and serial production.
Simultaneously, the State Transport Leasing Company executed an agreement with the Second Arkhangelsk United Air Squadron for the delivery of the initial three aircraft.
Consequently, these three aircraft will serve as a critical evaluation of the Il-114-300 in actual operational scenarios. The aircraft are anticipated to operate flights to Moscow and regional itineraries in the vicinity of Arkhangelsk. This will enable the operator to acquire practical experience with the aircraft while manufacturers continue to refine production, maintenance, and operational procedures.
Nevertheless, the current deliveries should not be interpreted as the start of industrial production. Three Il-114-300s are anticipated to be delivered in 2026, with approximately the same number scheduled for 2027, according to information released in July. The production rate is expected to increase in 2028, which will result in a more significant increase in deliveries.
Why Russia Needs the Il-114-300
The Il-114-300 is a modernized version of the original Il-114 turboprop that was primarily designed for regional passenger transportation. The aircraft is capable of accommodating up to 68 passengers, contingent upon its configuration.
It is expected that its primary function will be to replace the Antonov An-24 and An-26, which are regional aircraft from the Soviet era and are now aging. Despite their age, these aircraft have continued to be significant to Russian regional aviation, particularly on routes that connect remote communities.
The necessity of a domestic replacement has been exacerbated by Russia’s loss of conventional access to Western aircraft and components. The Il-114-300 is designed to serve as a Russian alternative to foreign regional aircraft, including the Bombardier Dash 8 and ATR 72.
This is especially crucial for the northern and Far Eastern regions, where turboprop aircraft are an appealing alternative due to their relatively low passenger volumes, extensive distances, and inadequate airport infrastructure.
Demand Is Approaching 40 Aircraft
The Il-114-300’s future market is significantly larger than the initial three aircraft. Around 40 aircraft have already garnered interest from Russian airlines.
The largest potential requirement comes from Aurora Airlines, which is considering around 20 Il-114-300s. KrasAvia has expressed a need for approximately 10 aircraft, while Iraero has expressed interest in six.
Nevertheless, airline interest should not be automatically interpreted as verified firm orders with fixed delivery dates. Production capacity continues to be a significant constraint for the program.
Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov has previously indicated that manufacturing one Il-114-300 can take around two years. As a result, new contracts signed today could translate into deliveries only in 2028 or 2029.
Aurora Deliveries Expected Later
Aurora is expected to become one of the most important future operators of the Il-114-300. The Far Eastern airline is expected to require approximately 20 aircraft; however, its initial deliveries are not anticipated until 2028.
Aurora could receive eight aircraft in 2028, as indicated by data from United Aircraft Corporation. The airline’s eventual inventory of Il-114-300s could be instrumental in the replacement of the An-24 and An-26 aircraft that are still required for regional operations in the Russian Far East.
This is particularly crucial for routes that connect isolated communities, as larger jet aircraft are frequently less economical or practical.
Production Must Now Accelerate
Certification is no longer the Il-114-300 program’s greatest obstacle. The critical question is whether Russia is capable of producing the aircraft at a consistent and high rate.
United Aircraft Corporation has projected that the production of aircraft could eventually reach six to 12 units per year, contingent upon industrial capacity and demand.
The Russian government expects that deliveries will become more regular in 2028 and 2029. The production program has also been approved for additional financing, which will initially cover eight aircraft.
An Aircraft with Export Potential
The Il-114-300 is also being positioned as a potential export product. United Aircraft Corporation executed a preliminary agreement with Flamingo Aerospace, an Indian company, in January 2026. The agreement pertains to the procurement of six Il-114-300 aircraft, with deliveries expected to start in 2028.
The agreement suggests that Russia perceives the aircraft as having potential beyond the domestic market. The Il-114-300’s reliable production and operational performance could potentially attract consumers from countries that operate older regional turboprop fleets.
Nevertheless, the domestic requirement continues to be the primary concern for Russia. The nation requires a contemporary aircraft that can replace its aging regional fleets and operate from facilities that may not accommodate larger passenger aircraft.
The aircraft’s journey has transitioned from the test program to the airline ramp at this time. The next obstacle is to convert that first step into a consistent flow of new aircraft.