Flamingo Aerospace and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed a purchase agreement for six 68-seater IL-114-300 regional aircraft at Wings India 2026, marking the start of a phased programme aimed at strengthening regional connectivity in India.

The partnership is expected to lead to complete manufacturing of the aircraft in India over time, supporting local supply chain development and employment across the aviation sector. The initial order represents the first phase of the programme, with provisions for future expansion based on market demand and operational readiness.

Under the agreement, UAC has provided Flamingo Aerospace with a cooperation framework and a roadmap for developing aviation capabilities in India. This will enable phased industrial activities such as aircraft assembly, customisation, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and preparation for manufacturing and infrastructure development. The collaboration is subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals. Flamingo Aerospace has also expressed interest in other UAC programmes for potential promotion in the Indian market.

Subhakar Pappula, Founder & CEO, Flamingo Aerospace, said, “We are laser-focused on supercharging regional connectivity while advancing India’s UDAN vision for a self-reliant aviation powerhouse. United Aircraft Corporation stands as our strategic cornerstone partner in this mission, delivering cutting-edge aircraft, proprietary technologies, and localized manufacturing expertise to the Indian market. Together, we are forging a resilient foundation for aviation infrastructure, high-skill job creation, and global competitiveness that propels India to the forefront of aerospace innovation.”

Vadim Badekha, CEO, United Aircraft Corporation, said, “The Indian air travel market is growing at the fastest rate in the world. Passenger numbers are growing annually by up to 11%. India is the world's third-largest air travel market. This creates the preconditions for the commercial success of our regional aircraft in the local market, which we confirmed today by signing the first contract for the delivery of Il-114-300 aircraft with Flamingo Aerospace. While the signed framework agreement covers the delivery of six aircraft starting in 2028, we plan to expand our cooperation with Flamingo Aerospace to include new mutually beneficial collaborations in the future.”