A prototype of the upgraded Russian wide-body long-range aircraft IL-96-400M, manufactured by UAC, took off for the first time. During the flight, the stability and controllability of the aircraft, the operability of systems, the power plant and radio equipment for landing were checked. The test program was successful, stable operation of Russian systems and equipment, most of which were manufactured by enterprises of the Rostec State Corporation, was confirmed.

The aircraft was piloted by the crew: Chief Pilot of the Iyushin Design Bureau, Honored Test Pilot of the Russian Federation Sergei Sukhar, Honored Test Pilot of the Russian Federation Igor Zinov, Honored Test Navigator of the Russian Federation Sergei Goremykin, 1st Class Test Flight Engineer Pavel Litvyakov, on-board electrician - tester Dmitry Semenov. The flight took place at altitudes up to 2000 meters, speeds up to 390 km/h and lasted 26 minutes.

“The first and successful flight of the modernized Il-96-400M is a demonstration of the highest level of competence of domestic aircraft manufacturers. The aircraft not only retained the high performance of the Il-96-300, but also received new operational and transportation capabilities. Due to new modern flight navigation and radio communications equipment using Russian components, flight safety and reliability are increased, and solutions used in the aerodynamic layout, structures and systems of the aircraft ensure operational efficiency. In the future, the new aircraft will allow us to develop and improve our competencies in creating wide-body long-haul aircraft,” said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation - Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.

The aircraft is a modernized version of the Il-96-300, features a fuselage extended by 9.35 meters, more powerful PS-90A1 engines and can accommodate up to 370 passengers.

The IL-96-400M received new operational and transport capabilities due to the modernization of flight, navigation and radio communication equipment, which meets the current and future requirements of Russian and international aviation regulators. In terms of reliability and flight safety, the Il-96-400M is fully consistent with its famous predecessors - the Il-86 and Il-96 aircraft, as well as with the best world models due to the redundancy of the aircraft's systems and its aerodynamic configuration.

“The new modernized version of the Il-96 will complement UAC’s civil aircraft lineup in the wide-body passenger segment and will allow us to offer the market, along with the MC-21-310, SJ-100 and Tu-214, aircraft of various sizes and ranges that are capable of providing route network throughout the country and replace foreign analogues,” said Yuri Slyusar, UAC General Director after the first flight.

The passenger cabin of the Il-96-400M can have a one-, two-, or three-class layout and is equipped with a modern infotainment system that provides access to the Internet, television and satellite communications, and modern kitchen equipment.

The use of an improved navigation system will improve flight safety and simplify the landing approach process for crews. The development meets latest requirements for navigation equipment of wide-body airliners flying in the European Common Aviation Area, as well as over terrain with no landmarks - oceans, deserts, and extensive forests. Such routes are the most difficult to navigate, since pilots cannot determine the location of the aircraft visually and navigate only using instruments. The new navigation system was created using Russian components taking into account current international requirements for navigation systems.

The new airliner is painted in the new UAC’s corporate livery.