Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation used the Innoprom India event in New Delhi to promote deeper industrial cooperation with India, centring on localised SJ-100 production with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and possible local assembly of the Il-114-300. UAC chief executive Vadim Badekha said the SJ-100 licensing deal was more than 80% complete, while the programme still awaits final agreements before any airline order is signed.
Badekha also pointed to AeroIndia 2027 as the target for a first Indian SJ-100 operator contract, underscoring that the regional jet remains in the pre-contract stage commercially. On the Il-114-300, the first aircraft for India would be delivered from Russia, with localisation to follow once certification and validation issues are settled.
Interfax reported that UAC sees potential Indian demand over the next decade for about 100 SJ-100s and more than 100 Il-114-300s, with local Il-114-300 output eventually reaching 30 to 40 aircraft a year. UAC separately signed intent agreements and a memorandum of understanding for 85 Il-114-300 aircraft with Pinnacle Air and Sleek Aviation, including a training centre for Sleek Aviation. The commercial test remains whether support, certification and operating economics can make the two Russian types attractive to Indian airlines, as the deals are still largely at intent stage.