The development of the PD-35 engine may lead to a deep modernization of the Il-96 aircraft in the future, but the project will not be limited to a simple replacement of the power plant. Aviation expert Roman Gusarov noted that the installation of a new super-powerful engine will require a revision of the wing structure, landing gear, and a number of other aircraft systems.

According to the specialist, the appearance of the PD-35 will be an important stage for Russian aviation, but its integration with the Il-96 will require serious structural changes. The reason is that the aircraft was originally designed for four smaller engines, while the new engine belongs to a different class – it is significantly larger and heavier.

The specialist emphasized that it is premature to talk about specific modernization of the Il-96, as the PD-35 is not yet ready for operation. However, if the engine is brought to serial production, the Russian industry will face the question of choosing between deep modernization of the existing aircraft and creating a new platform.

Separately, the expert assessed the situation at the Voronezh Aircraft Plant, where the Il-96 is produced. According to him, the enterprise has the capacity to produce approximately two aircraft per year, but currently its workload is not only related to the production of finished airliners.

The plant also produces components for other aviation programs, including structural elements for "Superjet" and MS-21 aircraft. Among the products manufactured are wing mechanization parts, control surfaces, and composite products.