Russia's Far East secures eight new domestic aircraft by 2028

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) have signed a memorandum for eight new aircraft. The deal includes five SJ-100s and three Tu-214s, with deliveries planned between 2027 and 2028. The first planes are not expected to arrive until 2028. The agreement comes as Far Eastern airlines continue to rely on foreign-made models while waiting for Russian domestic aircraft. Aurora Airlines currently operates 19 planes, such as Airbus A319s, Bombardier DHC-8s, and Viking DHC-6 Twin Otters, none of which are Russian. Khabarovsk Airlines, however, uses Russian An-24 and An-26 planes, along with Czech L-410s, for regional routes.

Yakutia Airlines already has three Russian Superjet 100s in its fleet. Meanwhile, UAC’s Vadim Badekha confirmed that the Tu-214 is now certified, and the Il-114-300 is close to receiving its airworthiness certificate. The MC-21 and SJ-100 are in the final stages of certification.

Alexey Chekunkov, head of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, stated that replacing foreign aircraft with domestic models on all Far East routes is a priority. Chinese-made Comac C919 jets are not a viable alternative due to shortages in China. The memorandum marks a step toward expanding Russian-made aircraft in the Far East. Airlines in the region will continue using existing foreign planes until the new models arrive. The first deliveries of the SJ-100 and Tu-214 are scheduled for 2028.