The cost of the LMS-901 "Baikal" light multi-purpose aircraft, which is being developed as a replacement for the Soviet An-2, has increased significantly. In 2019, the Ministry of Industry and Trade estimated its price at no more than 120 million rubles. According to the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK), the aircraft will cost 455 million rubles in 2025. It is projected that the price will continue to increase by 4% annually, reaching 587 million rubles by 2032.
Initially, the LMS-901 "Baikal" was created to perform tasks on local airlines, carrying up to nine passengers or two tons of cargo. The aircraft was planned to operate on unpaved runways and was equipped with one turboprop engine. However, its cost has been repeatedly revised due to modifications and changes in configuration, including the replacement of foreign components with Russian analogues.
The manufacturer of "Baikal", the "Ural Civil Aviation Plant" (UZGA), explains the price increase by objective macroeconomic conditions and the increased cost of components.
Despite the price increase, the aircraft should play a key role in air transportation on local routes, especially in regions with remote areas. In this regard, it is planned to subsidize operating expenses to maintain the accessibility of such transportation.
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