Russia’s Ilyushin Il-114-300 commercial turboprop aircraft is reportedly in the final stages of certification now that it is undergoing extreme cold weather testing at Siberia’s Yakutsk Airport, one of the earth’s coldest places.

Russian media, without citing specific sources, says the aircraft is on track to be certified early this year.

The nation’s decision to develop a new version of the 68-seat Ilyushin Il-114 commercial turboprop aircraft may inadvertently prove to be an international sales success.

The Kremlin gave the Il-114-300 program the ‘green light’ to reduce the country’s dependence on western equipment in response to trade sanctions.

But there are other countries – that face trade sanctions or want to reduce their dependence on western technology – namely North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Myanmar, Belarus and several African nations such as Zimbabwe.

Countries blacklisted by the west could procure the Chinese-built Xian Aircraft MA60, but this aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop engines; something that may be of concern to buyers wishing to reduce their reliance on North American technology.

The MA60 is also a derivative of the  Antonov An-26, a Ukrainian aircraft type first developed in the late 1960s whereas the Il-114 was first developed in the mid-1980s, making it a much newer platform.

The Il-114-300 is also a low-wing aircraft whereas the An-26, MA60, ATR 42/72 and de Havilland Canada Dash 8 series are high-wing aircraft.

High-wing aircraft are generally better for short take-off and landing, as the aircraft has more lift, allowing for slower approach speeds. But a low-wing aircraft is more aerodynamic, making it more fuel-efficient and allowing it to cruise at faster speeds. The fact the Il-114-300 is the only low-wing commercial turboprop aircraft in production, clearly differentiates it from the competition.

Russia’s United Aircraft (UAC) manufacture the Il-114-300. Russian carriers that have publicly expressed an intention to acquire the aircraft include, for example, KrasAvia and Aurora Airlines.