Russian power for Air Kerala: Agreement reached to purchase 20 aircraft

NEW DELHI: Reports say Indian companies have started taking steps to purchase more than 100 aircraft from Russia. Air Kerala is also said to be among the companies involved, according to an English media. During the Inno prom exhibition held in Delhi, Indian companies reached agreements to purchase 105 small aircraft.

The IL-114-300 aircraft can carry up to 68 passengers. The aircraft is being sold to India by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a part of the Russian state corporation Rostec. Russia is also considering India as a potential production base as it looks to expand aircraft manufacturing. Along with cooperation in the defence sector, Russia is seeking to further strengthen industrial cooperation with India. The report indicates that the move to sell aircraft to India is also part of this broader effort.

According to the report, Pinnacle Air will purchase the largest number of aircraft, with an order for 50 planes. Air Kerala will purchase 20 aircraft, while Sleek Aviation will acquire 35. The purchase of these small aircraft is aimed at strengthening regional aviation networks and services. The newly acquired aircraft are expected to support the UDAN scheme, which seeks to connect smaller cities and towns through improved air connectivity. One of the major advantages of small aircraft is that they can operate even from smaller airports with limited infrastructure. They are specifically designed for such operations and require only relatively short runways.