Technosphere Russia recently published a report on the Il-114-300’s debut at the Innoprom-2025 exhibition in Yekaterinburg in July 2025. The aircraft is currently enduring certification tests, which are anticipated to be finalized by the end of the year. In the interim, representatives of Ilyushin disclosed the flight and economic characteristics of the Il-114-300 passenger aircraft, which is already in production and will commence deliveries in 2026. A slightly enhanced version is scheduled for 2028.
So, what will the serial version of this turboprop regional aircraft, made entirely from Russian components, be like?
The airliner will have a passenger capacity of 66, as opposed to the previously stated 68 seats, as indicated by the documentation exhibited in Yekaterinburg in July 2025. The aircraft is capable of transporting a commercial cargo of up to 6 tons and has a maximum takeoff weight of 23.5 tons. At a maximum altitude of 7,600 meters, its cruise speed will be between 450 and 500 kilometers per hour. The Il-114-300 will necessitate a 1,400-meter runway for takeoff, with a takeoff run of 790 meters and a landing roll of 550 meters (or 410 meters with reverse propulsion). The ferry range of the aircraft is 5,200 kilometers.
According to the presentation, the Il-114-300’s fuel efficiency is a critical competitive advantage. The fuel consumption is 560 kg/hour, which is 16% less than that of its primary foreign competitor, the ATR 72-600. The current empty weight of the aircraft with the interior is 15,407 kg, with the interior itself weighing 1,556 kg. The Il-114-300 is capable of transporting 66 passengers over a distance of 1,000 kilometers in this configuration, with a specific fuel consumption of 21.8 grams per passenger-kilometer. This figure is comparable to the ATR 72-600, which has a specific fuel consumption of 22–24 g/pkm.
Nevertheless, there is always opportunity for improvement. The aircraft’s unoccupied weight will be reduced by an additional 628 kilograms as a result of the planned design optimizations, which are anticipated to be implemented by 2028. This enhancement will enable the Il-114-300 to transport 66 passengers over 1,450 kilometers and reduce its specific fuel consumption to 19 g/pkm, thereby placing it at the forefront of its category in terms of fuel efficiency.
Consequently, the aircraft is demonstrating significant potential. We anticipate its implementation throughout Russia, with a particular emphasis on Eastern Siberia and the Far East.
Now, let us understand how this stacks against its Western competitors, the ATR-72-600 and Dash 8 Q 400.
The Il-114-300 is a contemporary Russian regional turboprop aircraft that is expected to be introduced to the market in 2026. An updated variant is forthcoming in 2028. It has a passenger capacity of 66, which is slightly less than the 68 seats that were originally proposed. However, it is comparable to the ATR 72-600, which typically accommodates between 68 and 78 passengers. The Il-114-300 is rated at 23.5 tons for maximum takeoff weight, which is comparable to the ATR 72-600’s approximately 23 tons. The Il-114-300 is capable of transporting a commercial payload of up to 6 tons, which is slightly less than the ATR 72-600’s 7.4 tons.
The Il-114-300’s cruising speed is approximately 450 to 500 km/h, which is slightly lower than the ATR 72-600’s typical speed of approximately 510 km/h. However, the service ceiling of both models is nearly identical, at approximately 7,600 meters. The Il-114-300 necessitates a runway length of 1,400 meters for departure, which is approximately the same as the ATR 72-600’s 1,315 meters. The Il-114-300’s flight range surpasses that of its competitors by a significant margin, reaching a record of 5,200 kilometers as a result of an optimized fuselage design and increased fuel capacity. This benefit is particularly advantageous for routes that traverse extended regions of Russia, including Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Meanwhile, the Dash 8-300 has a range of approximately 2,050 kilometers, while the ATR 72-600 has a range of approximately 1,370 kilometers.
The Il-114-300 exhibits remarkable fuel efficiency metrics. It consumes approximately 560 kg of gasoline per hour on average, which is 16% less than the ATR 72-600’s consumption of approximately 650 kg per hour. At present, the Il-114-300 has a specific fuel consumption of 21.8 g/pkm, which is comparable to or slightly superior to the ATR 72-600’s 22 to 24 g/pkm. This figure is measured in grams per passenger-kilometer. By 2028, the Il-114-300 will become a regional turboprop leader in fuel efficiency due to the planned weight reduction measures, which will reduce the operating empty weight by approximately 628 kg and the specific fuel consumption to 19 g/pkm.
The Il-114-300 also exhibits favorable takeoff and landing performance, necessitating a runway length of approximately 1,400 meters for departure. The flexibility of operation on a variety of routes is enabled by these parameters, which render it suitable for operation at the majority of regional airports. In contrast, the Dash 8-300 necessitates a runway that is slightly shorter at 1,150 meters, while the Dash 8 Q400, which is heavier and more rapid, necessitates a runway that is approximately 1,400 meters in length. The Dash 8 variants also dominate in terms of speed, particularly the Q400, which can achieve a top speed of 667 km/h, a substantial advantage over both the Il-114-300 and ATR 72-600.
In conclusion, the Il-114-300 is a fully competitive alternative to foreign models, offering a modern technical solution, excellent fuel efficiency, flight range, and passenger capacity. This aircraft’s wholly domestic component base is a significant advantage, as it mitigates risks associated with external economic factors and guarantees stable supply chains. The ATR 72-600 is a classic in this segment, boasting a large operating base and proven reliability. Conversely, the Dash 8 provides more flexible configurations, with an emphasis on cargo capacity and increased speed.
Consequently, the Il-114-300’s introduction to the market will bolster the position of Russian regional aircraft manufacturing and provide operators with an affordable and cost-effective aircraft that is particularly well-suited for lengthy and underserved routes, especially in harsh climates. This aircraft is on the brink of earning a respectable position in the fleets of airlines that prioritize efficient operations within Russia and neighboring destinations.
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