Join me on a nostalgic journey as I share my last flight experience aboard an Aeroflot Ilyushin IL-96 in 2014 from Moscow to Istanbul. This widebody aircraft, first flown in 1988 in the Soviet Union, represented a bygone era of aviation.
Stepping aboard the IL-96 felt like stepping into a time machine, with its unique design and layout. The two rows of Business Class followed by a spacious Economy Class without dividers gave the cabin a vintage charm. The individual fan nozzles mounted on the seats added to the retro feel of the aircraft.
From the de-icing process before takeoff to the slow and steady climb after departure, every aspect of the flight felt reminiscent of a different era in aviation history. I had the opportunity to explore the entire cabin and experience the service provided by Aeroflot during the flight.
The final smooth landing in Istanbul marked the end of an era for the IL-96, as Aeroflot retired the aircraft shortly after my flight. Today, the IL-96 is still in use as the main Russian presidential aircraft, with only a few commercial passenger operators like Cubana and cargo variant operators like Sky Gates Airlines still utilizing this classic Soviet aircraft.
Join me as we reflect on the legacy of the IL-96 and its significance in the history of Soviet and Russian aviation.
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Video “Soviet Widebody: The Last Flight of Aeroflot Ilyushin IL-96” was uploaded on 01/18/2025. Watch all the latest Videos by Sam Chui on Gretopia