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, the new Il-114-300 aircraft will become a key element. The minister explained that long-haul jet aircraft are not suitable for short-haul flights in the North due to the high operating costs.
Therefore, as the domestic air fleet develops, and aircraft such as the Il-114 are released, 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 and Technical Characteristics of the Il-114-300:
- Passenger capacity — 64 passengers (in standard configuration, up to 68 seats possible)
- 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 the postponement 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 be certified by the end of 2025. Apparently, something happened after that.
