India’s Flamingo Aerospace to acquire 6 Russian IL-114-300 turboprops as UAC targets the regional market
January 29, 2026
India’s Flamingo Aerospace Private Limited has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire six IL-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, to serve underserved regional routes and smaller airports.
The framework agreement was signed during the Wings India 2026 International Aviation Exhibition at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, where UAC is positioning its newest regional aircraft as part of a broader push into India’s fast-growing domestic aviation sector.
UAC IL-114-300 turboprop deal “roadmap” includes assembly, modifications, and MRO capability development
According to Rostec’s announcement, the six aircraft deliveries beginning in 2028 represent the first stage of cooperation between the two companies.
The aircraft purchasing agreement also includes a longer-term partnership structure aimed at developing aviation capabilities inside India.
Rostec said UAC will provide Flamingo Aerospace with a “roadmap” for building aviation competencies, supporting the Indian company’s phased expansion into:
- aircraft assembly
- aircraft modification
- technical maintenance
- repair and overhaul
- wider infrastructure development
The announcement added that the framework reflects both parties’ intention to develop sustainable long-term aviation projects in India, subject to final agreements and regulatory approvals.
India is a priority market for Russian civil aircraft
UAC’s leadership has been open about its ambition to make India a major destination market for Russian-built civil aircraft, citing demand growth tied to regional connectivity.
Indian domestic air travel has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with hundreds of smaller city pairs still lacking direct service and many airports requiring aircraft capable of operating efficiently at lower passenger volumes than narrowbody jets.
The IL-114-300 is marketed as a turboprop option for that mission, competing in the segment commonly served by aircraft such as the ATR 72 and the Dash 8 family.
“The Indian air transport market is growing at the fastest rate in the world – by 11% annually. Today, it is the third largest. This creates the prerequisites for the commercial success of our aircraft in the region. Today we confirmed this by concluding the first contract for the supply of IL-114-300 aircraft with Flamingo Aerospace,” said Vadim Badekha, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation of Rostec State Corporation in the announcement. “We plan to expand our cooperation in the future.”
Russian turboprop deal fits “Make in India” policy
The Flamingo Aerospace agreement reflects a broader theme in Indian aerospace: linking aircraft deals to industrial cooperation and localisation.
“This partnership brings advanced aircraft and technologies to the Indian market, and also lays the foundation for the creation of sustainable aviation opportunities and skilled jobs in the country. Together, we strive to improve regional communication and support a strong, self-sufficient aviation sector in India,” said Subhakar Pappula, founder and CEO of Flamingo Aerospace.
That aligns with the direction of the country’s “Make in India” policy, in which aircraft procurement discussions increasingly involve domestic maintenance and manufacturing pathways rather than pure imports.
The policy reportedly led India to reject the US-made F-35 stealth fighter jet, without local production guarantees. The country favours boosting both domestic defence manufacturing and commercial aviation capabilities through collaborative development deals.
Featured Image: United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)
