Russia is preparing a large-scale expansion of the route network in the Arctic - it will be increased as the domestic small aviation develops. This was announced in the Murmansk region by the head of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Alexei Chekunkov.
According to him, a key element will be the new Il-114-300 aircraft. The Minister explained that long-haul jet aircraft are not suitable for short-haul flights in the North due to the high cost of operation.
Therefore, as the domestic air fleet develops, and aircraft such as the Il-114 become available, we will also increase the network.
As a reminder, the Il-114-300 is a turboprop passenger aircraft designed for local airlines and capable of operating autonomously, including from poorly prepared airfields.
Main Flight Performance Characteristics of the Il-114-300:
- Passenger capacity - 64 passengers (in standard configuration, possibly up to 68 seats)
- Crew - 2 pilots
- Engines - 2 TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines with a capacity of 3100 hp each
- Maximum take-off weight - 23 500 kg
- Cruising speed: about 470 km/h
The head of Rosaviatsia, Dmitry Yadrov, confirmed in October thepostponement of the Il-114-300 certification to 2026. As a reminder, the serial production of aircraft was originally planned to be launched in 2022.
Prior to that, in mid-September, the managing director of the developer company "Il," Daniil Brenerman, promised that the Il-114-300 would pass certification by the end of 2025. Something must have happened after that.