Aeroflot reconsiders its Il-96 fleet's immediate future

Aeroflot is considering fast-tracking the retirement of its fleet of six Il-96s in the wake of the recent Tatarstan Air crash at Kazan Int'l. Quoting unnamed sources, Russia's Kommersant says Aeroflot's board was forced to reconsider its plans for the Il-96 after politician's called for the Russian government to ban all commercial aircraft over twenty years of age from operating in Russia. While no precise law has been yet been passed, the Il-96s woes were further compounded by reports of soaring maintenance and fuel costs. The board also found that 40% of all Aeroflot's complaints via social media pertain to the interior of the Il-96. The Russian national carrier is angling to reposition itself as a premium airline with a maximum average fleet age of 5.5 years. In the long-term, it is speculated, Aeroflot would likely attempt to sell the aircraft to Cubana (CU, Havana Int'l), the only other operator of the type, though Russian aviation officials have expressed doubt that this will happen. ch-aviation
Photo;Ton Jochems - AYT