Soviet Widebody: The Last Flight of Aeroflot Ilyushin IL-96

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Flying Soviet and Russian planes was completely different from modern-day flying! Sharing my last Aeroflot Ilyushin IL-96 flight experience in 2014 from Moscow to Istanbul.

The IL96 prototype was first flown in 1988 in the Soviet Union and the aircraft was certified in 1992. Aeroflot began passenger service in 1993. It felt like stepping into a Time Machine during boarding. There were 2 rows of Business Class followed by a large Economy class with no dividers. The seat was built very differently with individual fan nozzles mounted at the back.

The aircraft had de-icing before takeoff from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. The takeoff performance consisted of a typical shallow and slow climb. After takeoff, I explored the entire IL-96 aircraft cabin and reviewed the service.

The final landing at Istanbul was smooth. The captain granted me a cockpit visit. The IL-96 was the end of a long Soviet aircraft legacy, and Aeroflot retired it after my flight.

As of 2024, the IL-96 is used as the main Russian presidential aircraft. Cubana is the type's only remaining commercial passenger operator, while Sky Gates Airlines operates a single cargo variant.