Ilyushin failed on deal, Aeroflot accuses

Flag-carrier Aeroflot filed a suit against Russia's biggest aircraft-leasers, Ilyushin Finance, claiming the company failed on a contract to deliver six long-haul IL-96 planes.

A deal with the government obliges Aeroflot to buy Russian planes and finance their construction in return for permission to buy foreign planes free of duty. Independent analysts said the airline could be looking for an excuse to avoid buying Russian planes it assessed less fuel efficient.