Buckle up, India: Russia is entering the fray of your regional aviation market with a powerhouse duo at Wings India 2026—the rugged Ilyushin IL-114-300 and sleek Superjet SJ-100. Amid Hyderabad’s aviation showcase, this signals a direct assault on Airbus and Boeing’s stronghold.
Government-led airport proliferation in Tier-2/3 hubs is fueling a small-plane revolution. Enter the IL-114-300: a 68-seater built for brevity and brutality, outpacing ATR and Dash-8 competitors at $20-35 million per plane in volume.
The SJ-100, with 87-98 seats, aims higher, sparring with Embraer’s E-Jets for $30-36 million. But the clincher? Russia’s blueprint for local factories, assembly lines, and supply networks, elevating buys to nation-building projects.
This blueprint unlocks thousands of skilled jobs in MRO, engineering, and beyond, with 70-80% of an aircraft’s value harvested post-sale via parts and services spanning 25-30 years. For India, it’s a chance to diversify, indigenize, and innovate.
Wings India 2026 isn’t just an expo; it’s a geopolitical chess move. As Russia courts long-term alliances, expect ripples through India’s aviation policy, potentially launching a new chapter of regional connectivity powered by Indo-Russian ingenuity.