AviationNews –
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has entered a preliminary agreement with India’s Flamingo Aerospace to supply six Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft, marking a strategic entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The deal, signed during the Wings India 2026 air show in Hyderabad, establishes a framework for long-term industrial cooperation and regional fleet expansion.
The memorandum of intent was finalized by Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC, and Subhakar Pappula, founder of Flamingo Aerospace, against the backdrop of Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition. Under the terms of the agreement, the first phase involves the delivery of six aircraft, with initial handovers targeted to begin in 2028. This timeline remains subject to final contract signatures and the completion of necessary regulatory approvals. Beyond the sale, the partnership includes a comprehensive roadmap to enhance India’s aviation competencies, focusing on aircraft assembly, local maintenance, and infrastructure development.
The Il-114-300 is a modernized, “import-substituted” regional airliner designed to operate efficiently in challenging environments. Powered by TV7-117ST-01 engines, the 68-seat turboprop features upgraded avionics and a reinforced airframe, allowing it to function autonomously from short or unpaved runways. This technical flexibility makes the aircraft a prime candidate for India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which seeks to link underserved and remote airports with affordable air services.
“This partnership brings advanced aircraft and technology to the Indian market and lays the foundation for creating sustainable aviation opportunities and skilled jobs in the country,” stated Subhakar Pappula, CEO of Flamingo Aerospace. “Together, we are committed to improving regional connectivity and supporting India’s strong, self-sufficient aviation sector.”
Looking ahead, the success of this deal could pave the way for broader Russian-Indian aerospace collaboration. As UAC seeks to diversify its export portfolio, the integration of the Il-114-300 into the Indian ecosystem serves as a litmus test for the aircraft’s commercial viability outside of Russia. For Flamingo Aerospace, the agreement acts as a springboard to transition from a startup to a significant player in the regional aviation segment.
This strategic move signals a shift in Russia’s aviation strategy toward the Global South, emphasizing technology transfer and local production. If the 2028 delivery targets are met, the Il-114-300 may soon become a common sight across India’s expanding domestic network.
