In a meticulously coordinated overnight operation, authorities have transported the historic IL-14 aircraft  -  a treasured artifact that once carried President Ho Chi Minh  -  to the “80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness” national exhibition.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), late on August 14, the IL-14 aircraft, a symbol of the country’s civil aviation history, was safely delivered to its display site. Police, traffic officers, escort vehicles, and logistics workers collaborated closely throughout the multi-kilometer journey to ensure absolute safety.

Before the move, the aircraft underwent thorough inspections and reinforcement in line with specialized preservation standards to maintain its original condition during transportation.

Upon arrival at the “Aspiration for the Sky” section of the exhibition, technical teams will assemble, clean, and complete the display setup, ready to welcome visitors for the grand celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

The IL-14, tail number VN-C482, was the first aircraft of Transport Aviation Regiment 919  -  the predecessor of today’s 919 Flight Crew. It was one of five IL-14s provided by the Soviet Union in early 1957 and officially entered service in 1958.

This particular aircraft was gifted exclusively to President Ho Chi Minh by the Soviet government. It was used for special flights carrying him and senior Party and State leaders during the resistance war against the United States.

The IL-14 is a light transport aircraft manufactured in the Soviet Union, measuring 22.31 meters in length with a 31.7-meter wingspan. It is powered by two turboprop engines, has a maximum speed of 415 km/h, a ceiling of 6,500 meters, a range of up to 1,700 km, and can carry 26–36 passengers.

Although lacking radar or landing support systems, the aircraft was skillfully operated by the highly capable and courageous IL-14 crew of Regiment 919 during the most intense years of the war.

After national reunification, the 919 Flight Crew continued using the IL-14 for reconstruction and defense missions until its retirement in 1981. Today, VN-C482 stands as a living testament to a pivotal chapter in Vietnamese aviation history and a symbol of independence, self-reliance, and resilience.