Well-known publicist Alexey Zhivov has once again raised the issue of the strategic importance of resuming the development and mass production of the promising wide-body aircraft Il-96M (one of the modifications of the Il-96-400M). According to him, from 2014 to 2022, he repeatedly drew the attention of the public and the authorities to the need to launch this project, emphasizing that the aircraft is not just a vehicle, but an element of national aviation independence.
Even if the Il-96M is needed in the amount of 10–20 aircraft, it still needs to be built. Even if it is unprofitable, it still needs to be put into the air. Even if it is necessary to subsidize VASO and operating airlines for this, it still needs to be put into the air.
Zhivov is confident that in the future, Russia may completely lose its skills in building wide fuselages, and the legendary Voronezh Joint Stock Aircraft Building Company (VASO), which, in his opinion, has long been experiencing serious difficulties, will cease to exist.
The expert recalled that Russia has an extensive network of long-haul routes both within the country and abroad, where an aircraft with a flight range of up to 8,500 km could be effectively used. In his opinion, the abandonment of the Il-96M project undermines technological sovereignty and leaves the country dependent on foreign aircraft in key areas.
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