Work on the aircraft began with the construction of three prototypes, including one for static testing, which began in 1974, with the first prototype making it's maiden flight on 22nd December 1976. The first production example followed in October 1977. Aeroflot received it's first example in September 1979, and inaugurated domestic services with the type in December 1980, with international services commencing in July 1981. The basic configeration was adopted for the more advanced Ilyushin Il-96.