Russia's successful test flight of IL-96-400M

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has achieved a significant milestone in its aviation endeavours with the successful test flight of the IL-96400M, a new widebody passenger aircraft under its umbrella of brands, which include Tupolev, Ilyushin, and Sukhoi. 

The prototype's inaugural flight, lasting 26 minutes, took place recently, reaching altitudes of up to 2,000 meters and speeds of 390 kilometres per hour, highlighting the aircraft's potential as a long-haul passenger aeroplane.

Sergei Sukhar, the Chief Pilot of Ilyushin Design Bureau and an Honored Test Pilot of the Russian Federation helmed the inaugural flight of the aircraft.

Designed to accommodate up to 370 passengers, the IL-96-400M is positioned to compete with established models such as Airbus A340 and Boeing's 777. Originating in the 1980s, the IL-96 project in Russia saw its maiden model, the IL-96300, commence commercial operations in 1993. Presently, the IL-96-300 remains in service as the official aircraft for Russian President Putin.UAC stated that the aircraft represents an advancement from the earlier IL-96-300 model, which had ceased production over a decade ago due to its inability to compete with Western counterparts.

It may be mentioned that following the 2014 Ukraine crisis, Russia initiated collaboration with China to jointly develop a widebody aircraft that could. meet market demands. In 2017, the establishment of a joint venture named CRAIC signalled this partnership. Simultaneously, Russia continued its internal development of the IL-96-400 model without abandoning it.

However, developments took an interesting turn in March 2022. A mere month after the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine war and amid international sanctions, Sergei Chemezov, the CEO of Rostec, announced a significant restart of IL-96 production. This move was a noteworthy shift, and by 2023, Russia officially withdrew from the large aircraft cooperation plan with China.