Russian deputy prime minister Yuri Trutnev has highlighted the importance of the new Ilyushin Il-114-300 to the country’s eastern region, but is pressing for lower costs of production and operation.

Trutnev, who serves as presidential envoy to the Far Eastern district, stated during a meeting to discuss the aircraft’s prospects that around 20 Il-114-300s are required in the region to replace ageing Antonov An-24s and An-26s.

“Aircraft are desperately needed in the far east,” he says. “The fact that the Il-114-300 has arrived, that it has passed testing, and is being prepared for inter-regional air travel is very important.”

But he also instructed the Russian trade and industry ministry and the federal air transport regulator to “find ways to reduce the cost of production and operation” of the type “without compromising quality and safety”.

Eastern carrier Aurora Airlines is among operators intending to acquire the 68-seat turboprop, which is still undergoing final certification.

Ilyushin managing director Daniil Brenerman says 336 certification flights have been carried out, and that the primary flight-test programme is complete.

The type is undergoing further low-temperature tests, including natural icing and operations on snow-covered runways, this quarter.

Ground tests of the Il-114-300 have been taking place in the Sakha republic, with long exposure to temperatures down to minus 45°C.

United Aircraft says specialists from Ilyushin verified that the aircraft’s systems – including its engines, landing-gear, anti-ice and air-conditioning equipment – plus the passenger cabin systems, doors and lighting, all operated correctly after the cooling process.

Flight tests at Yakutsk airport also assessed the performance of the avionics, radio, propellers and blade-feathering systems.