Russia's Il-96 Lags Behind Boeing and Airbus Despite Decades-Long Production

The Il-96 is Russia's largest passenger aircraft, but it has been largely outpaced by its Western counterparts. Introduced in 1988, the four-engine wide-body long-haul airliner was designed to compete with Boeing and Airbus models. However, despite nearly four decades of production, only a handful of machines have been manufactured.

According to available data, just 36 Il-96 aircraft of various modifications have been produced. This includes passenger Il-96-300s, cargo Il-96-400Ts, and the experimental new Il-96-400M family aircraft. The Voronezh aircraft plant continues to produce at a slow pace.

The basic Il-96-300 is designed for up to 300 passengers and has dimensions of 55.3 meters in length, 60.1 meters in wingspan, and a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 250 tons. Its four PS-90A engines each develop approximately 16 tons of thrust.

The Il-96's commercial viability is questionable, with no permanent Russian operator currently in service. The reason is clear: air travel is a business that requires financial acumen, and the liner's current state makes it unprofitable for regular flights.