The first Ilyushin Il-76TD-90VD equipped with new-generation Aviadvigatel PS-90A76 turbofans made a 40min maiden flight on 5 August from the TAPO plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The new model will appear at this week’s MAKS 2005 air show in Moscow. Launch customer Volga-Dnepr will receive its first two aircraft by year-end. The cargo carrier plans to acquire more Il-76TD-90VDs and is considering re-engining its existing Soloviev D-30KP2-powered Il-76TD fleet. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan cargo carrier Silk Way is to re-engine at least one of its nine Il-76TDs with the PS-90.
VLADIMIR KARNOZOV/MOSCOW
Source: Flight International
