Russian operator KrasAvia has revealed that it is looking to acquire Ilyushin Il-114-300s, following the decision to restart production of the turboprop type.
The Il-114-300 is a modernised version of the Il-114 which had a limited production run following its development in the 1990s.
Krasnoyarsk-based KrasAvia says it has signed an "agreement of intent" to acquire three of the type.
It describes the Il-114-300 as a "long-awaited domestic solution" for regional networks, capable of operating in the low-temperature environment of northern Russia.
KrasAvia says it was among the carriers which participated in design roundtables to ensure that the aircraft met the criteria necessary for operations in harsh conditions.
"The aircraft must fit into the infrastructure we have," says chief executive Andrei Egorov. "It is impossible to remodel the infrastructure of current small airports in the near term."
He says the Il-114-300 needs to cope with being parked outside of a hangar, with unpaved runways, and other elements.
The airline operates a fleet of regional aircraft including Antonov An-24s and An-26s, plus Yakovlev Yak-42s, among other types.
KrasAvia indicates that the Il-114-300s will not be delivered until 2024. Polar Airlines, which is also intending to take three of the type, is looking to receive them from 2023.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
