This article is based on an official press release from United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

UAC Signs Preliminary Deal with Indian Startups Flamingo Aerospace for Il-114-300s

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with Flamingo Aerospace Private Limited, an Indian entity based in Hyderabad. The deal, formalized during the “Wings India 2026” exhibition, outlines a roadmap for the supply of six Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional turboprop Commercial-Aircraft, with Deliveries projected to commence in 2028.

According to the official statement from UAC, the agreement establishes a long-term strategic Partnerships aimed at bolstering regional connectivity under India’s UDAN scheme. The collaboration is structured to evolve from direct aircraft supply to the eventual localization of manufacturing capabilities within India.

Agreement Structure and Roadmap

The preliminary agreement details a phased approach to introducing the Russian-made turboprops into the Indian market. UAC representatives indicated that the partnership is designed to align with the “Make in India” initiative through gradual technology transfer and infrastructure development.

Phased Implementation

• Phase 1: The supply of six fully assembled Il-114-300 aircraft. Alternatively, these may be delivered as “green” aircraft to be outfitted with interiors and avionics in India.
• Phase 2: The establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities within India to support the fleet.
• Phase 3: A long-term goal to localize assembly and manufacturing components, deepening the industrial cooperation between the two nations.

While the financial value of the deal was not disclosed in the press release, industry data suggests the domestic pricing for the Il-114-300 ranges between 2.6 and 4 billion rubles per unit. Based on these figures, the face value of the six aircraft could range between $170 million and $250 million USD.

The Il-114-300: Technical Profile

The Il-114-300 is a modernized version of the Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-114, designed specifically for regional routes with difficult operating conditions. It is positioned as a rugged alternative to Western turboprops like the ATR-72 and the De Havilland Dash 8-400.

Key specifications highlighted by UAC include:

• Capacity: 68 passengers.
• Range: Approximately 1,400 km when fully loaded, with a ferry range of up to 5,000 km.
• Operational Flexibility: The aircraft is engineered to operate on short, unpaved, or weak runways, making it theoretically suitable for the underserved airports targeted by the Indian government’s regional connectivity schemes.

The aircraft features the TV7-117ST-01 engine and Avionics systems that UAC describes as “import-substituted,” meaning they are manufactured domestically in Russia to bypass Western sanctions.

AirPro News Analysis: The Flamingo Aerospace Profile

While the agreement promises significant industrial cooperation, a review of public corporate records raises questions regarding the operational scale of the Indian partner. Flamingo Aerospace Private Limited appears to be a relatively new entrant in the aviation sector.

According to data from India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Flamingo Aerospace was incorporated on April 28, 2022, in Hyderabad. The company lists Subhakar Pappula as its Founder and CEO. Financial filings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, indicate the company had a paid-up capital of approximately INR 100,000 (roughly $1,200 USD) and reported zero revenue.

This disparity between a global aerospace giant like UAC and a micro-cap startup suggests that Flamingo Aerospace may be acting as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to facilitate the entry of Russian hardware into the Indian market. This structure could allow larger Indian conglomerates to engage with Russian entities while mitigating direct exposure to secondary sanctions risks.

Geopolitical and Strategic Context

This agreement arrives at a time when Russia is aggressively seeking new markets for its aerospace industry, which has been isolated from Western supply chains and customers due to sanctions following the conflict in Ukraine. By partnering with Indian entities, UAC aims to secure a foothold in a “friendly” market that has maintained neutrality.

The deal also coincides with broader discussions regarding the use of the Rupee-Ruble trade mechanism. Due to restrictions on SWIFT and U.S. dollar transactions involving Russian defense entities, payments for these aircraft would likely be settled through Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA), a system the Reserve Bank of India has simplified to facilitate bilateral trade.

Simultaneously, reports indicate UAC is pursuing a separate agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) regarding the Sukhoi Superjet (SJ-100), suggesting a coordinated push to integrate Russian civil aviation products into India‘s growing transport network.

Sources: United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Press Release, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (India), FlightGlobal.

This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.

Air India Expands Single-Aisle Fleet with Order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

On January 29, 2026, Air India finalized a firm orders for 30 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The deal, which exercises previously held options, includes 20 of the standard 737-8 model and 10 of the larger 737-10 model. This strategic acquisition is designed to bolster the airline’s domestic and regional network as it continues its transformation under Tata Group ownership.

According to the official announcement from Boeing, the order finalizes 10 737-10s that were previously listed as “unidentified” on the manufacturer’s orders and deliveries website. The agreement brings Air India’s total backlog with Boeing to nearly 200 aircraft, a mix that includes both single-aisle jets for domestic growth and widebody aircraft for international expansion.

The move underscores the carrier’s aggressive strategy to capture a larger share of India’s booming aviation market, currently dominated by low-cost carrier IndiGo. By locking in delivery slots for these fuel-efficient jets, Air India aims to increase frequency on metro routes and expand into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Breakdown of the Order

The purchase is split between two distinct variants of the 737 MAX family, each serving a specific operational role within Air India’s network strategy. All 30 aircraft will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, which offer a 15-20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation aircraft.

The 737-8 and 737-10 Variants

The majority of the order consists of 20 Boeing 737-8 jets. This variant is widely regarded as the core of the MAX family, offering a balance of range and capacity suitable for high-frequency domestic and short-haul regional routes. With a range of approximately 3,550 nautical miles, the 737-8 provides the versatility needed for Air India’s diverse route map.

The remaining 10 aircraft are the 737-10 model, the largest variant in the MAX family. According to Boeing, this aircraft is designed to carry more passengers at the lowest cost per seat among single-aisle aircraft. The 737-10 can seat up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration, though Air India is expected to deploy a two-class layout carrying between 188 and 204 passengers.

“This additional order for 30 Boeing 737 aircraft is part of our broader fleet strategy to position Air India firmly for the future, as a world-class global carrier that India deserves and the world expects.”

, Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India

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Strategic and Financial Context

While the list price for the deal is estimated at approximately $3.8 billion based on 2025 estimates, with the 737-8 valued around $121.6 million and the 737-10 at $135.9 million, industry standard discounts mean the actual transaction value is likely significantly lower. Market estimates suggest the real value of a new 737-8 is closer to $55 million.

Delivery and Certification

Deliveries for these aircraft are scheduled to remain steady over the next few years. A key component of this timeline is the certification of the 737-10. As of January 2026, Boeing is in the final stages of certifying the variant, with entry into service expected to follow shortly after. This would make Air India one of the first operators to introduce the -10 variant into the Indian market.

AirPro News Analysis

This order represents a shift from immediate recovery to long-term capacity planning for Air India. The Indian aviation market is effectively a duopoly, with IndiGo holding a commanding 63-65% market share and the Air India Group (including Air India Express and Vistara) holding approximately 26-27%. To compete effectively, Air India must match IndiGo’s scale and cost efficiency.

The selection of the 737-10 is particularly notable. By opting for the largest variant, Air India is prioritizing seat-mile economics on trunk routes (such as Delhi-Mumbai), where slot constraints limit the ability to simply add more flights. The 737-10 allows the airline to maximize revenue per departure, a critical advantage in slot-constrained airports. Furthermore, the decision to exercise options now ensures Air India retains access to delivery slots in a supply chain that is heavily constrained globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a new order?
Technically, no. This deal represents the exercise of existing options from previous agreements. The 10 737-10s were previously listed as “unidentified” on Boeing’s books.

When will passengers see these planes?
Deliveries are expected to be steady over the next few years. The 737-10 is expected to enter service following its certification, which is anticipated in 2026.

Why did Air India choose the 737-10?
The 737-10 offers the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle Boeing jet. It allows Air India to carry more passengers on high-demand routes without adding more flights, which is vital for profitability on dense domestic sectors.

Sources

• Boeing

Rolls-Royce Secures Major Engine Order for Delta Air Lines’ Widebody Expansion

Rolls-Royce has officially announced a significant new agreement with Delta Air Lines for 62 widebody engines to power the carrier’s expanding fleet of Airbus aircraft. Announced on January 28, 2026, the deal solidifies the British manufacturer’s position within Delta’s long-haul strategy, introducing the upgraded Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine to the airline’s operations.

According to the company’s statement, the order supports Delta’s acquisition of 15 Airbus A350-900s and 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. Deliveries for these new airframes are scheduled to begin in 2029. The agreement also includes a long-term TotalCare® service contract, Rolls-Royce’s flagship “power-by-the-hour” maintenance package designed to ensure predictable operational costs and fleet availability.

Breakdown of the Deal

The order comprises two distinct engine types tailored to Delta’s mixed Airbus fleet. Rolls-Royce confirmed the specific breakdown of the 62 engines as follows:

• 30 Trent XWB-84 EP engines: These will power 15 new Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
• 32 Trent 7000 engines: These are designated for 16 new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, highlighted the significance of the partnership in the official release:

“Rolls-Royce is proud to have Delta Air Lines as our largest partner in the Americas… This reorder underpins our combined commitment to reliability, durability, and customer success.”

Technical Spotlight: The Trent XWB-84 EP

A focal point of this announcement is Delta’s selection of the Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) variant for its new A350 fleet. According to technical specifications released by Rolls-Royce, the EP variant represents an evolution of the standard Trent XWB-84, which is already the exclusive powerplant for the Airbus A350 family.

Efficiency and Engineering Upgrades

The manufacturer states that the EP variant delivers a 1% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the original model. While a single percentage point may appear nominal, across a Commercial-Aircraft fleet’s operational lifespan, this translates to substantial financial savings and a measurable reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Rolls-Royce detailed several engineering improvements that contribute to this efficiency:

• Aerodynamics: The engine features optimized designs in the fan, compressor, and turbine systems to smooth airflow.
• Cooling Systems: Enhanced cooling for high-pressure turbine blades allows the engine to operate more efficiently at higher temperatures.
• Materials: The inclusion of a new disc alloy is intended to improve overall durability.

The EP variant received EASA certification in April 2025, with FAA certification expected to follow shortly to align with the 2029 delivery timeline.

Strategic Context for Delta Air Lines

This order is a critical element of Delta’s broader fleet modernization program. By retiring older, less efficient aircraft such as the Boeing 767-300ER, Delta is transitioning to next-generation widebodies that offer superior operating economics.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, commented on the strategic value of the new aircraft in the press statement:

“As we grow our international footprint and prepare our fleet to serve expanded long-haul markets, these aircraft will enhance our capabilities and elevate our premium offerings.”

The A350-900s are expected to serve ultra-long-haul premium routes, such as those connecting the U.S. to the Asia-Pacific region, while the A330neos will likely be deployed on high-demand transatlantic and transpacific corridors.

AirPro News Analysis

From our perspective, this order represents a vital “defensive win” for Rolls-Royce. While Delta recently diversified its fleet with an order for Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners (powered by GE Aerospace), Rolls-Royce has successfully defended its territory on the Airbus side of the ledger.

Because the A350 and A330neo platforms are exclusively powered by Rolls-Royce, any Airbus widebody order automatically benefits the Derby-based manufacturer. However, the inclusion of the TotalCare service agreement is the true financial anchor, locking in long-term aftermarket revenue. Furthermore, the introduction of the “EP” variant demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s ability to respond to airline demands for continuous incremental efficiency improvements, a necessary evolution to compete with rival engine technologies.

Sources

• Rolls-Royce Official Press Release
• Delta Air Lines News Hub
• Airbus Press Release