Russia has found three potential buyers for the Il-114-300 in India. OAK has agreed to supply 50 aircraft to Pinnacle Air and 35 to Sleek Aviation, with up to 20 more aircraft planned to be offered to Air Kerala. If all agreements turn into firm contracts, it will involve 105 aircraft.

"Pervy Tekhnichesky" found out who is actually ready to shell out billions for Il-114-300s, which currently only exist on paper.

Pinnacle Air — 50 aircraft

The largest potential buyer is Pinnacle Air, which is expected to receive 50 Il-114-300s. The company registered in India back in 2004 but has not yet become a full-fledged regular carrier.

Currently, Pinnacle Air specializes in business-class charter flights, pilgrimage transportation, aviation consulting, and aircraft sales and management. On its own website, the company indicates a staff of approximately 30 people.

In the Indian registry of operators for 2026, Pinnacle Air lists business jets, light aircraft, and helicopters, including Bell 407, Cessna Citation, and King Air. Now the company is claiming a fleet of 50 regional airliners.

Sleek Aviation — 35 aircraft

Sleek Aviation was registered in 2018 in Gurugram, Haryana. The company has the status of an active private enterprise, but it does not yet operate regular passenger flights.

OAK signed a memorandum with it for the supply of 35 Il-114-300s. The project also includes the creation of a training center with a full-flight simulator — meaning it's not just about purchasing aircraft, but also about crew training.

In fact, for the fate of the Il-114-300, this is even better. After all, the training infrastructure will create a base for the future operation of a large fleet.

Air Kerala — up to 20 aircraft

The third company, Air Kerala, is closest to the format of a future regional airline, but it also does not yet operate regular flights.

The project received government approval back in 2024, and the headquarters in Kochi began operations in 2025. Air Kerala is currently preparing to start operations with leased ATR 72-600s. To transition to a full AOC, the Indian carrier needs to complete certification procedures.