Key facts
- India is interested in acquiring 100-200 Russian regional aircraft.
- The SJ-100 Superjet and Il-114-300 turboprop planes are under consideration.
- An agreement is in place for potential licensed production of the SJ-100 in India.
- The first SJ-100 made in India could be ready within three years.
- India's regional aircraft market is projected to demand 300-400 aircraft over two decades.
India has expressed interest in purchasing between 100 and 200 Russian regional aircraft, according to Vadim Badekha, head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The SJ-100 Superjet and the Il-114-300 turboprop planes are being considered by Indian airlines. UAC has signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for potential licensed production of the SJ-100 in India, with the first aircraft possibly being manufactured there within three years. The SJ-100 seats up to 100 passengers, while the Il-114-300 carries 68. These aircraft are seen as ideal for connecting India's growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities, a market projected to need 300-400 regional aircraft over the next two decades. India's civil aviation sector allows 100% foreign direct investment in most areas, and New Delhi requires foreign original equipment manufacturers to establish assembly lines and source components locally. UAC estimates the potential market in India and surrounding regions at 200-300 aircraft, with a target production pace of 20-40 Superjets annually in India.