The head of the Russian Presidential Administration, Maxim Oreshkin, arrived in Johannesburg to participate in the G20 summit. Judging by the footage published by the Russian diplomatic mission, he arrived on an Il-96 aircraft of the "Russia" special flight detachment.
This type of aircraft is traditionally used for long-distance international flights of the first persons of the state.
The route between Moscow and Johannesburg is about 5,300 km, with a significant part passing over water areas and regions with limited possibilities for backup landings.
That is why the Il-96 is the optimal machine for such flights. Four PS-90A engines provide high reliability of the aircraft, and its flight range allows it to cover long distances without additional landings.
The Il-96 remains the main "long-range aircraft" of Russian state aviation. Liners of this family are used on routes to Asia, Africa and Latin America, where high autonomy and resistance to weather factors are required.
Il-96 Characteristics:
- Cruising speed — 850–870 km/h
- Maximum speed — 900 km/h
- Flight range — up to 9000 km (with maximum load)
- Practical ceiling — 13 100 m
It is important to note that, despite its venerable age, the Il-96 series remains promising for the introduction of innovations. Aviation expert Roman Gusarov noted that equipping the aircraft with two PD-35 engines will breathe new life into the liner, but it will require a change in the design of the aircraft. There were even suggestions to rebuild it into a bomber instead of the Tu-95MS.
Also "The First Technical" explained why the Il-96 is not used in civil aviation, but is "sharpened" specifically for the transportation of persons of particular importance.