The Il-96 aircraft operating between Venezuela and Cuba is transporting Cuban military personnel — taking some to the Cuban capital Havana, and then bringing in new volunteers in their place. This was reported by 14ymedio, citing sources.
According to local journalists, Cuban military personnel in Venezuela are being rotated, replacing them with "new recruits hired on a voluntary basis" for monetary compensation. According to the publication, the Il-96 has already made nine flights to Caracas and back.
Officially, neither side has confirmed the information about Cuban military personnel.
The Russian-made Il-96 belongs to Cubana de Aviación; it is the only such aircraft at the disposal of the "Island of Freedom." The aircraft drew attention in early January, when it arrived near Caracas with its transponder switched on, but for some reason abruptly turned around and flew back.
In total, Cuba purchased four Il-96-300 aircraft in Russia. However, the other airframes are currently in storage or in non-flyable condition. Although a fleet restoration program does exist, only the aircraft with registration number CU-T1250 remains in service.