Venezuela to Order Russian Aircraft

from FlightGlobal:

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Venezuela set to order Russian aircraft
By Jackson Flores Jr
The Venezuelan government is expected this month to order two Ilyushin Il-96-300 airliners to be used for commercial airline and government VIP transport.

The widebodies - each valued at around $98 million according to local government sources - are scheduled for delivery in the first and fourth quarter of next year. Sources in Venezuela indicate that one of the airframes will be fitted out as a presidential transport aircraft in a configuration similar to that used by the Russian government.

The second aircraft is expected to join state-owned airline Conviasa's fleet to fly on its long-haul routes.

Sources also disclose that the government has placed an additional order with Russia's Kazan Helicopters for two VIP-configured Mi-17V helicopters, which will be used exclusively by President Hugo Chavez.
http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/g...x?ItemID=18899

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Something to look forward to for UN Week 2010.

How does the Il-96-300 compare with Airbus and Boeing versions ?

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Originally Posted by Jetinder

How does the Il-96-300 compare with Airbus and Boeing versions ?

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Awful. This was clearly a political move.

The Il-96 was designed during the 1980ies, so it´s comparable to a MD-11 in efficency.