An unusual technical development is emerging in Belarusian aviation: The cargo airline Rada Airlines has started work at Vitebsk airport to reactivate an Ilyushin Il-62M.
The aircraft, registration EW-564TR, has been in long-term storage since August 2021 and is now set to return to active service after several years of inactivity. The aircraft features a distinctive livery commemorating its past service with the Gambian government. Originally completed in 1993, this jet is among the latest examples of this iconic Soviet long-range aircraft to be produced.
Rada Airlines' decision to restore the four-engine aircraft to flying condition must be seen against the backdrop of the current shortage of available cargo capacity and spare parts in Eastern Europe. While Western sanctions make access to modern Boeing or Airbus aircraft difficult, specialized cargo operators are increasingly relying on proven Soviet-era equipment for which regional maintenance facilities exist. The Il-62M is characterized by its robust flight characteristics and ability to transport heavy loads over long distances, even though its engine technology and noise levels impose restrictions at many Western airports.
The Ilyushin Il-62 is now considered an absolute rarity in the skies worldwide. Besides Russian state carriers and North Korea's Air Koryo, Rada Airlines is one of the last commercial operators of this type. According to industry insiders, the reactivation at its Vitebsk base includes a thorough overhaul of the airframe, the Solovyov D-30KU engines, and the avionics systems. The aim of this measure is to expand the capacity of its own fleet rather than selling the aircraft to third parties. This underscores the strategic importance of the aircraft for the Belarusian cargo sector, which specializes in niche markets in Asia and Africa.
The work in Vitebsk is being carried out by specialized technicians with the necessary expertise for this complex aircraft type. Since production of the Il-62 ceased decades ago, maintenance presents a significant logistical challenge, particularly in procuring certified components. Nevertheless, the economic benefits of its high cargo capacity appear to justify the operating costs. The return of the EW-564TR to the skies is being followed with great interest in specialist circles, as it marks the continuation of one of the last chapters of the classic Soviet jet era.