India to finance new Ilyushin, but no timetable set (177 words)

Published: 2/13/2001

Ilyushin, IAPO and Aviaexport have finally signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the development of the 100-seat Il-214 programme at Aero India-2001, in Bangalore. The agreement is for the production of the three versions, the first being the cargo (Il-214T), to be followed by the passenger and then the military version (if the Indian Ministry of Defence confirms its interest). Earlier reports did suggest that the military had been one of the prime movers in pushing the programme ahead, seeking a replacement for the Indian Air Force's ageing transport fleet of An-32s and therefore likely to consider the Il-214T as its Tactical Transport Aircraft (TTA). The parties to the agreement have not yet agreed upon a timetable. This possibly reflects the unresolved issue of funding (estimated to be $300m) which Ilyushin says will come from India. In 1996, the Indian government did commit $250m in funding to the development of aircraft in this class.

Article ID: 2351