Ilyushin IL-62M – Air Koryo's flying symphony

The Ilyushin IL-62 is a first generation long range jet air transport aircraft. It was not only the beackbone for Aeroflots fleet for many years, but also successfully operated with other airlines all over the world. The modernized version M is powered by four D-30 engines, the original IL-62 had four NK-8 mounted on it.

With it's superior economics the M was operated for a rather long time, especially in Cuba and Russia. But with rising fuel costs and the last global economic crisis the IL-62s vanished everywhere, with the exception of the Peoples Republic of Korea. Air Korio operated until not too long ago two IL-62M as well as one M for the government. Today the IL-62M is only operated for joyrides.

Luckily in 2013 it still operated regular passenger flights to China, which is way more authentic than joyride flights. The seating was a classic high density layout with open overhead racks and a small business class.

The flight from Beijing to Pyongyang took a bit over an hour and an astonishing service was offered aboard. The sound, smell and appearance of this classic airliner in such an environment is fascinating, together with the revolutionary music and the wonderful melody of those four D-30 engines in the back of this flying beauty!