Indian aviation company Omkam Aviations Pvt Ltd has announced plans to bring 50 Russian IL-114-300 regional aircraft to India. The company is in advanced discussions with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for local assembly, manufacturing and technology transfer.
The proposal was discussed during the Innoprom India trade fair at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Omkam Aviations Managing Director Peeyush Kumar Aggarwal said the company has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with UAC for the purchase of 50 IL-114-300 aircraft.
First Six Aircraft to Be Assembled in India
The initial phase of the project will involve six aircraft. According to the company, an assembly line will be established in India for the first batch, followed by technology transfer from Russia.
Omkam Aviations said the initial investment for the first six aircraft and related support systems is expected to be around ₹1,500 crore. The investment could increase as the project moves towards larger-scale aircraft manufacturing in India.
The company is also planning to eventually manufacture the aircraft entirely in India under a proposed full Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with UAC.
Aircraft Could Be Made for Export
Under the proposed arrangement, India could eventually become a manufacturing base for the IL-114-300. Omkam Aviations has also indicated that aircraft produced in India could potentially be exported to international markets.
The company said Sberbank of Russia has given an in-principle commitment to provide funding support for the proposed venture.
However, the manufacturing and technology-transfer plans will depend on the completion of definitive agreements, regulatory approvals and other required processes.
IL-114-300 Designed for Regional Routes
The IL-114-300 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to carry around 66 to 68 passengers. It is intended for regional routes and can operate from airports with shorter runways and relatively limited ground infrastructure.
Omkam Aviations said the aircraft could improve direct air connectivity between smaller cities and major economic centres.
The company highlighted the potential for direct routes between Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and larger urban centres, reducing the need for passengers to travel through major hubs for connecting flights.
Focus on Smaller Cities
Omkam Aviations Executive Director Aditya Aggarwal said the aircraft could be particularly suitable for connecting emerging cities with major economic centres.
The company expects regional aircraft of this type to support routes linking cities such as Noida, Agra and Pune, while also creating opportunities for direct connections between other smaller cities and major destinations.
The proposed project is also expected to extend beyond aircraft operations by supporting the development of skills, maintenance capabilities and other parts of the aviation ecosystem in India.
India Russia Industrial Cooperation
Omkam Aviations Co-Founder and Director Govind Gupta said localising aircraft manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure could strengthen industrial cooperation between India and Russia.
The company said the proposed venture is also aligned with India’s focus on domestic manufacturing and self-reliance.
According to Omkam Aviations, the project supports the objectives of the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar initiatives by creating opportunities for aircraft production, technology transfer, skills development and regional connectivity.
Project Still Awaits Final Approvals
The proposed 50-aircraft programme is currently subject to further agreements, regulatory clearances and other applicable procedures. If the planned technology transfer and manufacturing arrangements are completed, the project could establish a new domestic production base for regional passenger aircraft.
