Ilyushin Il-96 (CUT1250)

What a shot! What surprises me is that the Ilyushin IL-96 approved to fly in and out of Canada. I think that it is not allowed to fly in the U.S.

Thanks Isaac! We get our fair share of Russian and Ukranian equipment at YYZ and throughout Canada. There was some debate over whether this could even fly OVER the United States let alone land there. Sure enough she's been plying the route between YYZ and several airports in Cuba recently much to the delight of YYZ spotters! It's amazing to think that this bird is only 12 years old even though it looks like a relic of the Cold War. On take off and landing she sounds no different than any other aircraft on the field save for the slightly higher pitch in the engine noise.

I always wondered about why some certain Russian and Ukrainian aircraft can fly in and out of the States. We have our fair share of AN124's. I've also seen Il-76 and Il-62's at IAD. However, I believe those were Russian government aircraft.

Nice catch!!!