The Il-76TD with tail number RA-76842 was named after Hero of Russia Vladimir Sharpatov. The decision was made by Aviakon Tsitotrans airline for the 30th anniversary of the Russian crew's escape from Kandahar. The airline itself announced this.
This particular aircraft was seized in Afghanistan in 1995. The Il-76 of Aerostan company was performing a cargo flight from Tirana to Kabul, after which it was forced to land in the Kandahar area. Seven crew members spent 378 days in captivity.
On August 16, 1996, the crew led by Vladimir Sharpatov managed to take off with the seized Il-76 and leave Afghanistan. The aircraft first reached the United Arab Emirates, and then the crew returned to Russia.
After that, RA-76842 continued service in cargo aviation. In 2004, the aircraft was acquired by Aviakon Tsitotrans, and it remains in the company's fleet to this day.
On September 1, 2026, the airline officially named the aircraft after Vladimir Sharpatov. A commemorative plaque was handed over to the pilot himself, and a copy of it is planned to be placed in the aircraft's cargo compartment.