The experimental Il-96, which arrived in Khabarovsk, has undergone changes that require in-flight verification. This was stated by Roman Gusarov, editor-in-chief of the avia.ru portal and aviation expert, explaining that such tests are conducted only after the installation of new equipment or modification of the aircraft's design.

The expert explained that test flights after an aircraft's release are usually associated with testing new solutions. A similar approach has long been used in global aviation: Boeing and Airbus use special aircraft to evaluate new systems and equipment that are installed after the basic version of the airliner has been created.

According to the expert, the Il-96 test flight may be related to checking updated components or changes that need to be confirmed in real operating conditions.

At the same time, it is too early to talk about the return of the Il-96 to mass production. According to Gusarov, Russian airlines currently have no orders for such aircraft. Even the new Il-96-300s, which have been assembled in recent years, are likely to be used by the "Russia" special flight squadron, rather than for commercial transportation.

The main problem for expanding production remains the economics of operation. The four-engine configuration of the Il-96 provides high reliability, but in terms of fuel consumption, the aircraft is inferior to modern twin-engine airliners.

The expert believes that the situation could be changed by creating a new engine and transitioning the aircraft to a twin-engine configuration. Then the Il-96 would be able to compete with modern wide-body aircraft.

For now, tests show that the Il-96 program continues to develop, but the aircraft's future prospects will depend on the emergence of new technologies and real demand from airlines.