Russia Plans Il-114-300 Aircraft Deliveries to Aurora Airlines in 2027, Boosting their Regional Air Connectivity and Tourism Growth

By 2027, Aurora Airlines is expected to receive its first delivery of the new Il-114-300 regional aircraft, which will allow the expanding of air connectivity and tourism in the Russian Far East. With the new regional aircraft, Aurora will be able to add new destinations in the country’s most remote and difficult to access regions where air travel is crucial for both locals and tourists.

The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East confirmed the announcement and stated that this new aircraft will be vital for improving and support the long-term economic development of the region.

Modern Regional Aircraft to Improve Tourism Accessibility

Designed specifically for local and short-haul routes, the Il-114-300 has a capacity of 68 passengers, making it ideal for connecting smaller cities, island territories, and remote communities. For tourism, this means more reliable access to lesser-known destinations, including coastal towns, nature reserves, and cultural hubs that are currently difficult to reach.

By replacing aging An-24 aircraft and similar foreign-built planes, the new turboprop is expected to improve passenger comfort, flight reliability, and schedule consistency, all of which are critical for encouraging domestic tourism and regional travel planning.

Rising Passenger Numbers Signal Growing Travel Demand

Aurora Airlines has already seen strong growth in demand, with passenger traffic rising from 1.5 million to 2.5 million travelers in just four years. This growth reflects increasing reliance on air travel for business, social mobility, and tourism across the Far East.

The introduction of the Il-114-300 is expected to support further passenger growth, enabling Aurora to expand route networks, increase frequencies, and open up new travel corridors that can stimulate tourism flows between regional centers and remote destinations.

Supporting Tourism in Hard-to-Reach Regions

The Russian Far East is home to unique natural landscapes, coastal areas, wildlife destinations, and indigenous cultures, but tourism potential has often been limited by accessibility. Regional aircraft like the Il-114-300 are essential for turning these assets into viable tourism products.

Improved air services can support eco-tourism, adventure travel, cultural tourism, and seasonal travel, allowing visitors to explore regions that are not served by rail or road infrastructure. This also encourages longer stays and multi-destination itineraries within the Far East.

Strengthening Aviation Resilience Enhances Travel Confidence

Aurora Airlines’ ability to maintain its entire fleet independently, including complex aircraft maintenance, adds an extra layer of reliability to regional air travel. For travelers, this translates into greater confidence in flight operations, fewer disruptions, and more dependable connections. The deployment of domestically produced aircraft further strengthens operational resilience, ensuring that essential travel and tourism routes remain stable over the long term.

Built for Challenging Conditions and Year-Round Tourism

Developed by the S.V. Ilyushin Aviation Complex, part of the United Aircraft Corporation, the Il-114-300 is engineered for harsh climates and limited airport infrastructure. This capability is particularly important for the Far East, where weather and terrain often disrupt transport.

Year-round operability means tourism is no longer confined to short seasonal windows, helping destinations attract visitors beyond peak months and supporting more sustainable, evenly distributed tourism growth.

Aviation as a Catalyst for Regional Economic and Tourism Growth

Enhanced regional aviation directly supports local tourism economies, creating opportunities for hotels, guides, transport services, and small businesses. Better connectivity also encourages investment in tourism infrastructure, from accommodations to visitor attractions. For residents, improved air services enhance quality of life, while for visitors, they make the Far East a more accessible and attractive travel region.

Domestic Aircraft Strategy Aligns With Tourism Goals

The Il-114-300 program forms part of a broader strategy to rely on domestically produced aircraft, alongside platforms such as Mi-171 helicopters. For tourism development, this ensures long-term fleet availability for essential routes that connect tourist destinations rather than prioritizing only high-yield urban corridors. This approach supports balanced tourism growth, ensuring smaller destinations are not left behind.

A New Chapter for Travel and Tourism in the Far East

Since the first IL-114-300 planes are earmarked to start operations with airlines in 2027, Aurora Airlines will be able to boost its influence in shaping the travel and tourism in Russia’s Far East. Enhanced demand with Improved connectivity, modern aircraft and growing passenger numbers will enable further domestic tourism and stronger regional integration. This program is aimed at making the Far East a more competitively accessible tourism destination and further strengthening aviation as the backbone of regional travel and economic growth.

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