Will Russia's SJ-100 and Il-114-300 Aircraft Dominate Wings India 2026?

Russia is preparing for a major presence at Wings India 2026. This event is Asia’s largest civil aviation gathering. It is scheduled for January 28 to 31 in Hyderabad, at Begumpet Airport. The showcase highlights growing Russia India aviation cooperation.

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will lead the Russian delegation. They will feature model samples of the SJ-100 Il-114-300 aircraft. The planes are also expected to be on static display for close inspection. This participation is supported by Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Deepening Bilateral Ties

The centerpiece of this collaboration is the Yakovlev SJ-100 regional jet. The SJ-100 is an import-substituted version of the Superjet 100. It features Russian-made systems, including the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines.

SJ-100 Joint Production

A model of the SJ-100 will be displayed at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) stand. This underscores a significant partnership. HAL and UAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2025. This agreement grants HAL the right to produce the SJ-100 for domestic customers in India. This marks a major step for India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. It is the first complete passenger aircraft production in India since 1988. HAL estimates a market for over 200 regional aircraft India needs in the next decade.

Il-114-300 Turboprop Opportunity

The Ilyushin Il-114-300 is a modernized regional turboprop. It is a 68-seat aircraft featuring Russian engines and avionics. The aircraft is specifically designed for short-haul routes. It can operate from unpaved or poorly-equipped airfields. This capability is highly relevant for India's regional connectivity scheme (UDAN).

Certification flights for the Il-114-300 are nearly complete, with over 99% finished as of late 2025. Deliveries of the production aircraft are scheduled to begin in August 2026.

Potential New Order

Excitement surrounds the anticipated contract signing at the event. An Indian company, Flamingo Aerospace, is reportedly planning to sign a deal. The deal is for the supply of six Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft. If finalized, this would be a notable entry into the Indian market. A flight demonstration of one of the aircraft is also planned. This will allow attendees to see the performance firsthand.

Industry Impact and Market Context

India's market has historically favored larger narrowbodies from manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. However, the push for regional connectivity is creating new demand. The Il-114-300 competes directly with models like the ATR-72 and Bombardier Q400. The import-substituted aircraft offer an alternative to Western-built planes. This is a key development in global commercial aviation news [https://flying.flights].

Opportunity: The joint production of the SJ-100 aligns with India's manufacturing goals.
Challenge: The Russian aircraft must prove their long-term operational reliability and cost-effectiveness against established Western rivals.
Market Need: The Il-114-300's rugged design directly addresses the need for reliable service to remote Indian regions.

Wings India 2026 is expected to host delegations from over 25 countries. This makes it a crucial platform for promoting these new aircraft. The event will shape the future of regional air travel in the region. Global aviation bodies like IATA monitor such shifts in fleet composition. These partnerships could play a key role in India's growing aviation infrastructure.