In Russia, flight tests of the wide-body Il-96-400M aircraft with four PS-90 series engines have been resumed. Money is being spent on the airliner, although it is initially uninteresting to airlines that have already chosen Boeing and Airbus in this transportation segment, explained aviation expert Oleg Panteleev.
He recalled that the Il-96 was originally built in the interests of state customers without taking into account the commercial component. The four-engine scheme makes the aircraft less economical compared to modern Western competitors.
The Il-96-400 model has been created. Work must continue to bring its passenger version to certification. However, there is insufficient demand from airlines for this model.
Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov noted that Russia has already begun developing a new long-haul aircraft, but did not mention the existing Il-96. According to him, aircraft manufacturers consult with market participants to avoid miscalculations and provide them with the desired airliner in terms of characteristics.
Meanwhile, in April, the Il-96-400M unexpectedly unfroze its test program after six months and returned to the sky.