MOSVOW, April 1 (RIA Novosti) - Egypt has extended until May 31, 2009 permission for flights by Russian Il-86 aircraft, the Russian Transportation Ministry said Tuesday.
Egypt plans to eventually ban the planes over non-compliance with international noise requirements. Russian airlines were first notified of the ban on the 350-seat passenger mid-range Il-86s in 2002, but the Arab nation has put it off every year since.
Last week, the Russian ministry sent Egypt's aviation authorities a letter asking for an extension of permission to fly over Egyptian territory until December 31, 2008.
Il-86s, whose production began in 1980, are the most popular planes for charter flights to Turkey and Egypt. Forty-six aircraft are currently in use in Russia, according to official statistics.
