Flamingo Aerospace signs deal to acquire six 68-seater IL-114-300 planes from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation
Flamingo Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based company, has signed a deal for purchase of six 68-seater IL-114-300 aircraft, produced by Russian aerospace firm United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The agreement was signed at the ongoing Wings India 2026, a leading airshow in India, that is currently on at Hyderabad.
In a press statement, UAC says that beyond the aircraft order the agreement lays the groundwork for gradual localisation of aircraft manufacturing in India and boosting employment across the aviation sector.
The partnership marks the initiation of a phased aircraft programme aimed at strengthening connectivity to India’s underserved routes. While the initial agreement covers six aircraft, both companies have indicated scope for expansion depending on market demand and operational readiness.
The statement adds that under a cooperation framework provided by UAC, Flamingo Aerospace will move through phased activities including aircraft assembly, customisation, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). In practical terms, this could mean job generation while strengthening India’s aviation supply chain. Flamingo Aerospace has also expressed interest in other UAC programmes, signalling a wider collaboration.
“We are laser-focussed on supercharging regional connectivity while advancing India’s UDAN vision for a self-reliant aviation powerhouse. United Aircraft Corporation stands as our strategic cornerstone partner in this mission, delivering cutting-edge aircraft, proprietary technologies, and localised manufacturing expertise to the Indian market. Together, we are forging a resilient foundation for aviation infrastructure, high-skill job creation, and global competitiveness that propels India to the forefront of aerospace innovation,” says Subhakar Pappula, Founder & CEO, Flamingo Aerospace
For UAC, the agreement comes at a time when India’s aviation market is expanding at one of the fastest rates globally.
“The Indian air travel market is growing at the fastest rate in the world. Passenger numbers are growing annually by up to 11 pc. India is the world’s third-largest air travel market. This creates the preconditions for the commercial success of our regional aircraft in the local market, which we confirmed today by signing the first contract for the delivery of Il-114-300 aircraft with Flamingo Aerospace. While the signed framework agreement covers the delivery of six aircraft starting in 2028, we plan to expand our cooperation with Flamingo Aerospace to include new mutually beneficial collaborations in the future,” says Vadim Badekha, CEO, UAC.
The statement adds that the IL-114-300, the latest regional jet produced by UAC, is a 68-seater turboprop aircraft designed for short and medium haul routes precisely the segment critical to India’s regional connectivity needs. The aircraft is positioned as a practical solution for connecting smaller cities and remote regions. Flamingo Aerospace and UAC will also work together on certification pathways, crew training, and entry-into-service planning, indicating that the collaboration goes beyond procurement and into ecosystem building.
According to the statement, Flamingo Aerospace has outlined an ambitious roadmap with an aspirational delivery of up to 40 aircraft by 2030, subject to regulatory approvals, market conditions and program readiness. The company aims to contribute to the evolution of regional aviation through capability building and industry collaboration.
As India looks to balance rapid aviation growth with domestic manufacturing goals, partnerships like this one highlight a shift from simply buying aircraft to building capability. If the phased manufacturing plans materialise, the collaboration could become a case study in how regional connectivity, industrial policy and global partnerships intersect in India’s evolving aerospace, adds the statement.