Aircraft Upgrades Drive a Novel Phase of Competition in Indian Aviation
Many videos of the poor condition of Air India’s business-class cabins went viral on social media, prompting harsh criticism as unbe
With a view to strengthening ties between the two close friends, India and Russia, Moscow has provided India with its Superjet-100-class regional jet and the Il-114-300 passenger aircraft, both made with indigenous technology. There is also a replica of the Indian tricolour on the Russian Il-114-300 aircraft.
Both aircraft will reinforce the Indian aviation sector, as most of the existing Indian aviation fleet consists of aircraft manufactured by Boeing and Airbus, both Western manufacturers. The passenger aircraft agreement between India and Russia will significantly strengthen relations between the two friendly nations.
Russia says that its aircraft would provide India with technological diversification and, in the long run, decrease costs and ease supply shortages. The acceptance of these aircraft in the Indian market will be highly dependent on safety standards, maintenance arrangements and most importantly, economic viability.
Sputnik reported that Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade released a video showing the interior of the Superjet-100 aircraft powered by the PD-8 engine from United Engine Corporation. The aircraft features a special livery in the colours of the Indian national flag and will soon be on display at Wings India 2026.
In addition, Rostec announced that the United Aircraft Corporation will exhibit its state-of-the-art regional aircraft (Il-114-300) at the exhibition. Both aircraft will be displayed with Russian-manufactured passenger cabins.
A video released highlights the Superjet's comfortable and sleek interiors. The Superjet and Il-114-300 use 100 per cent Russian-made engines. The Il-114-300 uses the TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engine, while the Superjet-100 uses the more advanced PD-8 engines. Throughout the event, the Il-114-300 will participate in the flying demonstration and the Superjet-100 will be exhibited in a static display, painted in the Indian tri-colour scheme.
India is one of Russia's strategic partners. Rostec has long advanced close technological cooperation with Indian contemporaries, including under the Make in India initiative. While Russia’s military aircraft are in high demand, there is significant potential in civil aviation as well. India's UDAN program will make air travel more accessible and increase the use of regional airports. This produces strong prospects for the commercial success of the SJ-100 and Il-114-300 in the Indian market.
The Wings India 2026 international air show will be held in Hyderabad from January 28 to 31. As reported by Sputnik India, the SJ-100 is a short-range, narrow-body jetliner developed as part of a wide-ranging import-substitution program to replace imports of foreign systems and components on board the Superjet family of jets. The initial flight of this aircraft was completed on 17th March in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, marking the commencement of in-flight engine testing.
Wings India 2026 will be held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, from 28th January to 31st January, in which HAL will showcase its true potential.
The mainstays of HAL’s participation will be the H-228 commuter aircraft, the Dhruv New Generation helicopter and the Super Jet 100 regional aircraft, which will be exhibited during the show.
The HAL pavilion will display scaled models of the Dhruv NG, H 228, H 228 Amphibian, SJ 100, LUH Civil, Line Replaceable Units, and accessories to meet the evolving requirements of civil operators.
A major attraction at the HAL stall will be the static display of Dhruv NG, H 228, SJ100 and SJ100 Aurus (business jet).
HAL is working together with United Aircraft Corporation, Russia, to manufacture the SJ 100 aircraft to strengthen "Make in India" competencies.
The static display will be completed by Customer Demonstration Flights of the Dhruv NG and H 228, showcasing the aircraft's practical performance, safety and operational versatility.
Digital product kiosks will be set up to better comprehend aviation components, accessories and MRO activities at the HAL stall. MoUs with several industry partners are planned to be signed during the show.
“HAL's existence at Wings India 2026 reaffirms its role as a partner in the aviation value chain, supporting India's UDAN Scheme for regional connectivity and ‘Make in India’ policy.”
“HAL invites professionals, OEMs and operators to visit the HAL pavilion to discover its technologies and discuss collaboration opportunities.”
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