[80903] Russia Expands Civil Aviation Industry: New Passenger Aircraft and Export Plans

The Momentum of the Russian Aviation Industry Ahead of the SPIEF 2026 Forum

Ahead of the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), presented a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Russian civil fleet. According to the TASS news agency, which maintains a distinctly pro-Russian stance, the corporation is finalizing the production of the first round of passenger aircraft, with the delivery of the Tu-214 model already underway, and the Il-114-300 model expected to hit the market later this year.

As part of the new strategy, Badekha noted in an interview with TASS that the MS-21 and SJ-100 models will be marketed under a "new unified brand." Simultaneously, flight certification work for the SJ-100 is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. According to the CEO, the new aircraft will be equipped with advanced internet technologies and entertainment systems for passenger comfort.

On the military-technological level, the Telegram channel Voevoda Veshchaet reports on the active development of a prototype for a supersonic passenger aircraft, while TASS reports that new engines for the advanced Su-57 fighter jet will enter service in the coming years.

On the international level, Russia identifies an opportunity due to the global shortage of civil aircraft. Badekha revealed that India has expressed interest in purchasing 100 to 200 Il-114-300 and SJ-100 aircraft, with additional Asian countries showing growing interest in Russian production. However, it should be noted that the channel Vremya Goszakupok, which sometimes presents a more critical view of the Russian government, reports that the aviation development plan is undergoing constant updates, which raises questions surrounding the long-term production targets through 2030.