Russian regional carrier Polar Airlines is preparing to expand its fleet by adding three modified Ilyushin Il-114-300 aircraft. According to deputy flight director Semyon Semyonov, the airline has arranged for the manufacturer, Ilyushin Design Bureau, to install protective engine shields on these aircraft to enhance safety during operations on unpaved runways in the Russian Far East.
The airline's existing fleet includes two DHC-8-Q300 turboprops, and the upcoming Il-114-300s are expected to be delivered starting in 2026, with full fleet induction anticipated in 2028. The modifications aim to increase the aircrafts' resilience in rugged environments and support the airline's regional expansion plans.
Future deliveries will include three aircraft, which will operate primarily from Yakutsk, servicing 14 destinations with a schedule of eight daily flights. The airline emphasizes that these modifications are critical for operating in remote areas with limited infrastructure, aligning with regional transportation priorities.
Officials from Polar Airlines and Ilyushin Design Bureau expressed confidence that the design enhancements would be finalized within 2026, ensuring compliance with operational requirements. The expansion aims to bolster regional connectivity and bolster local economies in the Russian Far East.
