1/02/1989: Maiden Flight of the Tupolev Tu-204
The Tu-204 was designed to replace the Tu-154, but due to the break up of the Soviet Union, the type did not enjoy the success of its predecessor.
The Tu-204 was designed to replace the Tu-154, but due to the break up of the Soviet Union, the type did not enjoy the success of its predecessor.
DALLAS — Today in Aviation, the Tupolev Tu-204 operated its maiden flight in 1989. The airliner was designed as a family of aircraft serving several purposes, including passenger, cargo, combi, and quick-change variants.
The initial version, the Soloviev PS90 turbofan-powered -100 series, was certified in January 1995. It entered service with launch customer Aeroflot (SU) in February 1996. The Russian flag carrier had tasked Tupolev with creating a replacement for its Tu-154 trijet.
During the test and certification program, Tupolev aimed to create a variant of the Tu-204 suitable for Westernized operations. To achieve this, Tupolev collaborated with Rolls Royce and developed the RB211-535-powered Tu-204-120. The first flight of this variant took place on August 14, 1992.
Another version of the Tu-204 is the -200, which has a higher maximum take-off weight, increased fuel capacity, and a greater range. Additionally, Tupolev produced the -300, which features a shorter fuselage and an extended range. Vladivostok Air (XF) introduced the -300 variant. Furthermore, a cargo version of the Tu-204 was launched in November 1998 and delivered to its launch customer, Cairo Aviation.
There is also the Tu-214, which is technically a -200 variant but produced by the Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO). The Tu-214 has additional doors compared to the baseline Tu-204 and a higher gross weight.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) relaunched the type last year to replace Russia's Boeing and Airbus fleets impacted by international sanctions placed in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Aeroflot ordered 40 of the Tu-214, with deliveries until 2030. The airline expected to receive its first example in 2023, creating a working group to prepare for the type's arrival and starting to train pilots for its operations. However, UAC has plans to commence deliveries of the Tupolev Tu-214 aircraft in 2024.
The Tu-214 is being produced in limited quantities for government and military purposes. UAC intends to modify the Tu-214 jet for commercial use and gradually ramp up production from 10 to 20 units per year. This expansion is aimed at addressing the existing capacity gap in the market.
Featured Image: The shortened Tu-204-300. Photo: Lorenzo Giacobbo/Airways
