Company's CEO reveals price of Urals-made plane "Baikal"
The Russian-developed LMS-901 Baikal light multipurpose aircraft, intended for local airlines, is on track to be priced similarly to the American Cessna Grand Caravan, according to Leonid Luzgin, director of the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA). The Baikal's production cost on the manufacturer's production line ranges from 2.2 million to 3.4 million US dollars, with Luzgin suggesting that the aircraft will be more cost-effective given logistics and customs expenses. The price of the American counterpart translates to between 220 million and 340 million rubles, contingent upon the components used, with the Baikal falling within this price range. "We will inevitably fall within this price range," Luzgin stated.
Earlier in February, it was revealed that several errors were discovered during the project's development, necessitating considerable adjustments that in effect required the aircraft to be redesigned. Luzgin clarified that these adjustments were completed from January to April of the current year. To ease any concerns regarding stability and maneuverability, the aircraft's yaw channel has been strengthened, and the aircraft's handling characteristics have been improved over the full range of centering and takeoff weights. The aircraft is currently undergoing remotorization, following which extensive testing will commence. Luzgin made these disclosures to Vedomostis.
Luzgin confirmed that the Baikal would be certified within the specified timeframe. UZGA has already produced three prototype aircraft and aims to secure a type certificate for the domestically produced engine and propeller by the end of 2026. Deliveries are scheduled from 2026 through 2044. Preliminary orders amount to over 60 aircraft.
Aviacompany Aurora has agreed to acquire ten liners and is slated to receive the first five aircraft by the end of 2026, with the remaining five in 2027. Negotiations are underway with other customers like Krasavia, Aeroserbis, Naryan-Mar Air Squadron, and others.
Acting Governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Denis Pasler, promised that the Baikal will be constructed on schedule. However, Deputy Prime Minister Yuriy Truptnev announced in May that the Baikal project would be abandoned, contradicting statements made by both the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance, who confirmed that UZGA continues to work on the project as per the contract signed in April 2025.
UZGA has been working on the development of the Baikal since 2019, initially intending to begin mass production in 2024, with deliveries scheduled for 2025. However, the plans were postponed, and a smaller production batch of 139 units was established.
Note: According to Enrichment Data, earlier production plans have been revised, with the start of mass production delayed and target output reduced from larger initial plans. Additionally, the federal government has made conflicting statements regarding the project's status, with some officials announcing its closure, while the manufacturer and local government officials continue to express commitment to its development. The certification deadline of late 2026 appears to be in jeopardy due to these conflicting reports and official statements.
- The Baikal light multipurpose aircraft, currently undergoing testing, is expected to be priced within the same range as the American Cessna Grand Caravan, making it more cost-effective with logistics and customs expenses considered.
- In the realm of technology and manufacturing, UZGA, amidst conflicting statements from government officials, continues its work on the development of the Baikal, with plans initially set for mass production in 2024, revised to a smaller batch of 139 units.
- Amidst recent news about disagreements on the Baikal project's future, Aviacompany Aurora and potential customers like Krasavia, Aeroserbis, Naryan-Mar Air Squadron, and others are still considering orders for the aircraft, with Aurora planning to acquire ten liners by the end of 2027.
