Atlant-Soyuz was the last airline company to use the wide-body IL-86 passenger jet for flights bound for Sochi during a period when other companies had long since switched to more modern, but narrow-body aircraft. As such, this may have been my last ever flight on an IL-86, since after the shutdown of Moscow Airlines this plane is very seldom used anymore. Thus, my trip was something of a nostalgic experience.
The IL-86 used on the flight (tail number RA-86125), can be seen below (photo courtesy to airliners.net)
https://www.airlines-inform.ru/license/
The plane was mostly empty, perhaps a third full.
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The interior of the plane was noticeably aged, the upholstery was worn, there was paint peeling in places and some of the plastic paneling was cracked.
https://www.airlines-inform.ru/license/
https://www.airlines-inform.ru/license/
https://www.airlines-inform.ru/license/
Atlant-Soyuz provided full in-flight service, and offered meals during the trip. Below is what was referred to as a “light dinner”.
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In the Vnukovo International Airport the plane docked at the new terminal. Very large and modern, but at the time still quite empty.
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https://www.airlines-inform.ru/license/
General impressions of the flight: Flying from Sochi to Moscow on an IL-86 was quite comfortable. The plane was nice and spacious, with wide aisles and high ceilings. However, the years have taken their toll and all the planes operated by Atlant-Soyuz were in fairly worn condition. In-flight service was pretty basic with no frills, and included food, water and magazines.
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