Kathrine Frich
Aviation markets are always hungry for new planes, and shifting global alliances can open up massive new trade routes.
One massive Asian nation is looking to modernize its regional fleets, and it might just turn to an unexpected supplier to get the job done.
Eyeing a huge deal
Indian airlines are reportedly looking to buy up to 200 Russian passenger planes. The massive potential order involves the Il-114-300 and SJ-100 models.
Vadim Badekha, the head of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, revealed the news during a recent interview with the state news agency TASS. The aviation boss noted that India has a serious need for these specific regional aircraft.
“India was the first to show serious interest in our aviation equipment,” Badekha told TASS.
He explained that Indian carriers expressed strong demand after his company showcased the jets at the Wings India aviation exhibition.
Building them locally
The deal goes far beyond simply shipping finished planes across the border. Russian aviation leaders want to set up shop directly inside the purchasing country, hoping to create a permanent manufacturing footprint.
The United Aircraft Corporation has already signed an initial agreement with India’s HAL. If successful, this new partnership could lead to licensed production of the SJ-100 directly at Indian manufacturing sites.
Badekha told reporters that this local assembly line could start rolling out its first jets in just three years.
He estimated that factories in India could build 20 to 40 planes a year, a rate he described to TASS as a “good pace.” In total, the executive sees a market for up to 300 aircraft across the region.
Growing trade ties
The Russian manufacturer also wants to move production of the Il-114-300 model to India.
Private companies are already signing on the dotted line. Flamingo Aerospace, an Indian private firm, recently inked a preliminary deal to secure six of the Il-114-300 aircraft, according to TASS.
These major aviation developments come right before the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This year, the massive annual business event is heavily focused on shifting global markets and building new trade bridges.
With Western sanctions squeezing the Russian economy, Moscow is actively hunting for new commercial partners. Securing a sprawling aviation contract with New Delhi would give the Russian manufacturing sector a desperately needed financial lifeline.
Sources: TASS
