After becoming the largest suppliers of aircraft and equipment to the Indian defence sector, Russian companies are now eyeing the civil aviation sector in the country.
Ilyushin’s IL-114 seeks deals from domestic carriers
HYDERABAD: After becoming the largest suppliers of aircraft and equipment to the Indian defence sector, Russian companies are now eyeing the civil aviation sector in the country.
For the first time, a Russian civil aircraft company, Ilyushin, is planning to showcase one of its successful aircraft models for Indian carriers. IL-114, which was first flown in 1990 and is being used by some of the Russian airlines, will be exhibited in Hyderabad at the Indian Aviation 2008 that kicks off on October 15.
Hindavia Aeronautical Services, a company that markets and executes the sale of aircrafts manufactured in Russia, has secured the rights for the Ilyushin range in India.
Siddhartha Bose, chairman, Hindavia Aeronautical Services, told DNA Money, “We are bringing IL-114 to India for the first time. We feel this is the right time for us to explore the Indian civil aviation market.” The entry of other Russian aircraft companies depends on the breakthrough Ilyushin makes in India.
IL-114, which is a twin-engine, turboprop model, is looking to attract airlines flying regional routes. Bose said the 64-seat model has already caught the attention of at least four Indian carriers. “Four companies are in touch with us. We hope to speak to them during the India Aviation and clinch a deal,” Bose said.
Besides fuel efficiency, IL-114 is said to have fewer seats than other aircraft models that are now used on regional routes. This can bring operational efficiency to regional operations as traffic on those routes is low. “Many airlines are now using 140-seat aircraft. On regional routes, it’s becoming difficult for airlines to get the optimum number of passengers,” Bose said. He added that as IL-114 has just 64 seats, its use on a regional route would boost efficiency.
In addition, the Russian model can also be converted into a cargo plane to carry either 8 containers or 7 tonne. “The model can double up as a cargo plane. So, the operator can use it depending on the demand in the market,” he said.
Russian aircraft have traditionally been seen as fuel guzzlers and their maintenance too was a problem. “Things have changed now. Russian aircraft makers are now able to access components and technology from western companies. That way, Russian aircraft may be able to change the negative image they have,” he said. The model that’s being offered uses a Pratt & Whitney engine and is designed and made in Tashkent. Ilyushin has been in the aircraft business since 1933.
IL-114 too has had a negative image since its launch in 1990. The aircraft that was taken for the first test flight crashed in 1993. In 1999, there were technical glitches in the model, leading to a crash. Subsequently, however, the model found several takers.
Vyborg Airlines in Russia and Uzbekistan Airlines in Uzbekistan use IL-114 on their regional routes.
Claiming that the Airbus’ ATR is the only competition IL-114 has, Bose said that Hindavia would be able to sell 25 to 40 IL-114s in the next five years. “Immediately, we hope to sell at least five aircraft,” he added.
k_ramana@dnaindia.net 
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