I learned two new things today.
First, there is still a Russian-built Ilyushin Il-62 in service outside of North Korea. Second, it is (well, perhaps was…) operated by a European airline.
Rada Airlines is a cargo airline based in Belarus, with one IL-62 in the fleet. The airline even has a website here.
Earlier today, it appears this IL-62 experienced a rough landing Khartoum, Sudan.
Rada Airlines Ilyushin IL-62 (EW-450TR) veered to the right at the end of runway 18 at Khartoum Intl Airport (HSSS), Sudan ending on soft ground. There were no injuries involved. This aircraft is the last remaining IL-62 in commercial operations. https://t.co/7ikTyjus9f pic.twitter.com/nAtEkqVQAl
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) August 18, 2018
According to reports, the aircraft landed hard, then overshot the runway. It is rainy season in Sudan and the runway was likely slick. More detail here.
This story piqued my interest because I have wanted to fly on an IL-62 for over a decade. Cubana used to use IL-62s and I always planned to experience the plane in Cuba, but it has since been retired. The only civilian operator left is Air Koryo, the flag carrier of North Korea. I still hope to visit North Korea sooner rather than later, though it is virtually impossible now.
It appears no one was injured in the rough landing, though it is not clear if the aircraft will be able to return to Belarus.
CONCLUSION
I may be asking for trouble in wanting to fly as many “vintage aircraft as possible, but I still hope to fly the IL-62s one day. Such a shame Ben and I missed out on the IL-114s when in Uzbekistan last year…
images: Rada Airlines
More power to you, Matthew. What if the only chance is a cargo flight? Would you be game? Do cargo companies accept paying passengers?
Gorgeous plane. I was always weirdly interest in planes that had tail mounted engines. Of course, the more engines, higher the interest.
On an aside, is it just me or do most Ilyushin jets appear to have a smiling face?
Hi Matthew, why would you like to fly with this plane? I mean, the modern planes are much more comfortable and (I hope so) more safe.
Because I love vintage aircraft, especially Russian ones. Have flown the TU-134 and TU-154 while in Russia.
The plane is still alive. It was completing a Sudan-Tel Aviv route through Cyprus Larnaca airport on 14th of December.
I would love to fly this bird as well.
Why you said it is not possible to visit North Korea? I think North Korea still opens its door to tourist. And it also operated a tour for aviation fans to try all their plane model including IL-62M.
https://samchui.com/2018/08/23/wonsan-air-festival-2018/
It’s not possible using a US passport if the same passport is to be used to return to the US.
“*U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through North Korea, unless they are specially validated by the Department of State. See here for how to apply special passport to travel to North Korea.”
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/KoreaDemocraticPeoplesRepublicof.html
The author you mention is based in Singapore and I do not believe is a US passport holder.