Russian company successfully tests prototype widebody passenger aircraft
Russia's top aircraft manufacturer completes successful test flight of IL-96-400M widebody passenger plane, aiming to replace Western aircraft in the country's airspace A massive gamble indeed
Russia's top aircraft manufacturer has announced the successful test flight of a groundbreaking widebody passenger airplane, potentially offering a viable alternative to Western aircraft in the country's airspace. The United Aircraft Corporation reported that their IL-96-400M long-haul prototype recently completed its inaugural 26-minute flight, reaching altitudes of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) and speeds of up to 390 kilometers per hour (242 mph).
UAC, the regulatory body for Russian aviation brands such as Tupolev, Ilyushin, and Sukhoi, announced that the new plane will have a seating capacity of up to 370 passengers, placing it in the same league as the Airbus A340 and Boeing 777. This aircraft represents an advancement from its predecessor, the IL-96-300, production of which was allegedly discontinued over ten years ago due to its inability to compete with Western counterparts.
According to UAC, the IL-96-400M's inaugural flight signifies the exceptional capabilities of domestic aircraft manufacturers, as stated by Russia's deputy prime minister, Denis Manturov. The aircraft offers multiple passenger classes and boasts a state-of-the-art "infotainment system" that includes internet, TV, and satellite communication. Additionally, it is equipped with a contemporary kitchen.
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Photographed in midair, the new airplane adorned with UAC corporate colors presents a significant public relations victory for Russia. This comes at a crucial juncture for the country's aviation industry, which is grappling with the adverse effects of Western sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine.
As a result of US and European sanctions prohibiting the leasing of planes to Russia, the country experienced a loss of approximately 10% of its commercial aircraft. In response, President Vladimir Putin introduced legislation that permitted Russian airlines to seize leased aircraft and re-register them domestically.
However, experts predict that maintaining the airworthiness of fleets will become increasingly challenging due to limited access to parts for planes manufactured by Western companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, and Embraer. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals that as of 2022, only 144 active Russian airline planes were constructed in Russia.
"Russian aviation has undeniably suffered significant damage from the sanctions that ensued after the invasion of Ukraine," states CNN, quoting Murdo Morrison, FlightGlobal's head of strategic content.
Massive gamble
The issue lies in the insufficient availability of spare parts, some of which undoubtedly enter through unofficial means. As a result, many Airbus and Boeing planes currently being used in Russia pose potential safety risks. While Russia does have an efficient regulatory body, there is a lack of transparency regarding the overall condition of its aircraft fleet.
In September, an Ural Airlines-operated Airbus A320, reportedly one of the leased planes obtained by Russia, had to make an emergency landing in a field in Russia's Novosibirsk region. This was attributed to a preliminary assessment of a hydraulic system failure during flight.
Last year, Russia received a "red flag" from a safety audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization due to inadequate regulatory oversight. This designation is only shared by three other countries: Bhutan, Congo, and Liberia.
Russia's Ministry of Transport reassured that flight safety on Russia-operated aircraft complied with international standards. According to UAC's release, the safety and reliability of the new IL-96-400M aircraft were on par with the finest models worldwide, thanks to its redundant systems and aerodynamic design.
The manufacturer additionally affirmed its commitment to complying with international regulatory standards. Yuri Slyusar, UAC's general director, stated in the release that the aircraft, along with other domestically manufactured planes, would be utilized throughout the country's aviation network and would serve as substitutes for foreign equivalents.
FlightGlobals Morrison argues that although the aircraft may possess reliability, they will greatly lag behind their Western counterparts and are unlikely to be produced in the same quantities as during the Soviet era.
"Attempting to revive Russia's aerospace industry to its pre-1990 state is an enormous risk. Moreover, it will result in substantial financial losses for the government, although Moscow probably acknowledges that the political consequences are justifiable, and moreover, it lacks any alternative."
