At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2024), a significant announcement propelled Russia's aviation industry forward. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) CEO Yuri Slyusar revealed Red Wings Airlines as the first customer for the much-anticipated Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft.
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This partnership marks a turning point for the Il-114-300, signifying the start of its commercial journey. Red Wings will play a crucial role as the launch customer, pioneering an innovative operating model for these new aircraft. The initial commitment involves a firm contract for the delivery of the first three Il-114-300s in 2026. However, the collaboration appears poised for further growth. Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of Red Wings acquiring eight of the twelve Il-114-300s slated for production in 2027. This potential expansion reflects confidence in the aircraft's capabilities and aligns with Russia's comprehensive aviation development program.
The program, adopted by the government in May 2024, has revised production targets for the Il-114-300. While initial plans aimed for 70 deliveries by 2030, the new strategy prioritizes a more focused approach. Deliveries will commence in 2026, with a total of 51 aircraft reaching customers by 2030. To achieve this, a minimum annual production and delivery rate of 12 aircraft are targeted for 2027-2030.
This strategic partnership between UAC and Red Wings holds significant advantages. While Red Wings, despite being part of the UAC's sphere of influence, maintains its autonomy in purchasing decisions. This independent approach allows UAC to leverage Red Wings' expertise in ironing out any initial operational limitations that may arise with a new aircraft. In essence, Red Wings' role as the launch customer goes beyond simply acquiring the first Il-114-300s. Their collaboration with UAC paves the way for the successful integration of these new turboprop aircraft into commercial operations, shaping the future of regional aviation within Russia.