Russia is preparing to start commercial deliveries of its Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft in December 2026. The MC-21 and SJ-100 passenger jets are anticipated to reach their first customers in 2027, following the completion of certification. The announcements underscore Moscow’s efforts to improve regional aviation, increase domestic aircraft production, and decrease its reliance on foreign-built aircraft.
On October 28, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov disclosed the delivery schedule during a government hour session at the Federation Council. In addition, he detailed ongoing initiatives to enhance the production capacity of the Tu-214 passenger aircraft and advance numerous helicopter programs, such as the Ansat, Mi-38, and Mi-171A-3.
The planned Il-114-300 deliveries are a major milestone for the regional aviation sector of Russia, particularly for airlines that serve remote territories where the infrastructure and operating conditions create unique requirements for aircraft.
Il-114-300 prepares for its first commercial deliveries
Beginning in December of this year, Manturov stated that the Il-114-300 would be prepared for delivery. The aircraft is a modernized variant of the Soviet-era Il-114 turboprop that has been redesigned for modern regional passenger operations.
The Il-114-300 is designed to operate domestic routes that connect remote communities and smaller cities, with a capacity of up to 68 passengers. The turboprop configuration of the aircraft is particularly pertinent for regional networks, where the shorter routes and less developed airport infrastructure may render smaller aircraft more practicable than larger jetliners.
In June 2026, the aircraft was certified by Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, marking a significant regulatory milestone for commercial operations and serial production. Nevertheless, efforts are ongoing to broaden its approved operating capabilities, particularly in the face of challenging environmental and runway conditions.
Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Industry and Trade, previously stated that the initial aircraft would be delivered in 2026, with two additional aircraft anticipated to be delivered in January 2027. An agreement between the Second Arkhangelsk United Aviation Squadron and the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) covers the initial three aircraft.
Currently, the operator operates passenger routes in Russia’s Far North, and it relies on helicopters, including the Mi-8 and aircraft like the An-2. The introduction of the Il-114-300 could offer a more substantial capacity option for regional routes that are suitable while also facilitating the renewal of an aging fleet.
Certification work continues beyond the initial approval
Despite the initial certification of the Il-114-300, additional work is necessary to expand its operational range.
Ilyushin, the manufacturer, is currently in the process of eliminating the constraints that are associated with operating on wet runways and in both low and high temperatures. These capabilities are crucial for airlines that operate throughout Russia’s extensive territory, where seasonal weather conditions can fluctuate significantly.
Another priority is the operation of unpaved runways. The capacity to land on unpaved surfaces was previously identified by Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Gennady Abramenkov as a development objective for 2027.
This capability could be especially advantageous for airlines that operate in the Russian Far East, where the infrastructure of airports is highly variable. Aurora Airlines has underscored the significance of aircraft that are compatible with the conditions of regional airfields.
Consequently, the commercial success of the program will be contingent upon the manufacturer’s ability to expand its operational capabilities and provide support to airlines following the entry into service process, in addition to the delivery of the first aircraft.
A gradual ramp-up is anticipated in the production plans
Russia intends to gradually expand the production of Il-114-300 in the years ahead. Production is anticipated to reach six aircraft in 2028, with nine aircraft produced annually in each of the subsequent two years, as previously announced by Ilyushin managing director Daniil Brenerman.
Under conservative assumptions, the ultimate goal is to establish an annual production rate of 12 aircraft.
Through 2035, Rosaviatsiya has projected that Russian airlines will require approximately 108 to 110 aircraft of this nature. A commercially sustainable rate of aircraft delivery, a consistent supply of components, and a reliable manufacturing schedule would be necessary to satisfy that demand.
Consequently, the December delivery will function as an initial evaluation of the program’s ability to transition from certification to operational deployment and regular production.
Khabarovsk expands its role in aircraft component manufacturing
Additionally, Russia’s domestic industrial supply chain is providing assistance to the aircraft program.
The Corporation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic announced on October 24 that PAKS-Vostok, an engineering company based in the Khabarovsk advanced development territory, would commence the production of components for the onboard cable network of the Il-114-300.
The company intends to increase its production capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 standard labor-hours per month starting in 2027. The expansion is designed to accommodate increased component output and additional manufacturing space.
The SJ-100 is furnished with components for serial production by PAKS-Vostok, which already manufactures cable harnesses and electrical distribution equipment for civil aircraft cabin systems. Yakovlev’s production center and the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant are among the aircraft manufacturing facilities where the company maintains a presence.
This expansion establishes a shared domestic supplier base between the Il-114-300 and SJ-100 programs, which is a critical factor in Russia’s efforts to increase aircraft production.
Delivery targets for the MC-21 and SJ-100 are set for 2027
Manturov reiterated that the MC-21 and SJ-100 are expected to complete certification and reach their first customers in 2027, in addition to the Il-114-300.
Both programs are essential components of Russia’s strategy to reestablish its civil aviation manufacturing capabilities. The MC-21 is intended for the medium-haul market, whereas the SJ-100 is intended for regional and short-haul operations.
Their delivery schedules are contingent upon the completion of the requisite certification work and the preparation of the production and supply chains for commercial operations.
Manturov also emphasized the ongoing work on the Ansat, Mi-38, and Mi-171A3 helicopters, as well as the efforts to increase the manufacturing capacity of the Tu-214 in Kazan.
In June, President Vladimir Putin requested that domestically developed passenger aircraft, such as the MC-21, SJ-100, and Il-114-300, be delivered at a quicker pace.
The Il-114-300 is expected to be delivered in December, which is the most recent milestone. The program will transition to its next phase if deliveries proceed according to schedule, during which it will prioritize production reliability, operational performance, and fleet expansion over certification. Russia’s capacity to convert its aircraft development programs into consistent commercial output would be further challenged by the subsequent introduction of the MC-21 and SJ-100.