On 8 October last year new long-range TU-204-300 passenger aircraft (registration number RA-64026) made its first long distance continuous flight on route Moscow-Vladivostok of 7100 km range. “Vladivostok Avia” airline is to operate airplanes of this type, which provides continuous flights performance from Vladivostok to Moscow and St Petersburg. The delivery of the first TU-204-300 is scheduled for February 2005.
    On 18 August 2003 the initial TU-204-300 airplane (registration number RA-64026), manufactured at Ulyanovsk-based “Aviastar-SP” plant, performed its maiden flight, followed by exhibition at MAKS –2003 in Zhoukovsky, the vicinity of Moscow. Vladimir Donetsky, “Aviastar-SP” Chief Designer noticed that “ new civil brands were not on display for a long time, demonstration of this model - though just a new modification - would spread optimism in aviation circles”. “Transaero” airline supported by “Ilyushin Finance” leasing company (IFC) informed about 15 year leasing of 10 TU-204-300s. But these plans didn’t come true. The first customer of TU-204-300 became “Vladivostok  Avia” airline. Supported by “IFC”, it decided to purchase 4 airplanes.
    Before being delivered to the airline and introduced into operation the aircraft is subject to strict certification procedures, which were almost completed in January 2005. The documentation drawing up and TYPE CERTIFICATE granting were scheduled for February 2005. During final stage (some malfunctions elimination and passenger entertainment system modification) the next TU-204-300 (registered number RA-64038) joined the certification testing program. Its maiden flight was performed on 25 November 2004 at Ulyanovsk aerodrome facilities.
    Another stage of certification testing completed, the extended meeting of interdepartmental committee took place at “Aviastar-SP” on 15-17- December 2004, where the folder of technical documentation for TU-204-300 serial manufacture at Ulyanovsk-based plant was approved. It authorized manufacture of new TU-204 modification at Ulyanovsk-based Company. Vladimir Savin, the Chairman of independent inspectorate of Aviation register of Interstate Aviation Committee (ARMAK), presided the meeting.
    The certification testing program of initial TU-204-300 airplane (RA-62026) in Zhoukovsky has been nearly completed. The aircraft is certified in conformity with AR-25 requirements including additional JAR and FAR requirements. The question of TU-204-300 certification in compliance with European norms is not settled upon yet, it is to be raised after finishing TU-204-120 cargo aircraft, certified according to JAR norms. Lev Lanovsky, Chief Designer of PSC “Tupolev”, noticed that “ on the whole the design data was substantiated by TU-204-300 certification tests. The checkout flight to Vladivostok made, we don’t have any doubt in successful operation of the present layout for 142 passengers on Moscow-Vladivostok-Moscow or Vladivostok-Moscow-Vladivostok routes”. The first four TU-204-300s are intended for “Vladivostok Avia” airline. The batch includes the initial airplane. The negotiations with potential customers (“Pulkovo” and some other airlines) are carried out. TU-204-300 airliner is of great interest for Siberia and the Far East - “KrasAir”, ”Dalavia”, “Khabarovsk airlines”.
    The main TU-204-300 difference from other models of TU-204 family is 6-m shorter fuselage. The cabin layout and interior were also modified. Most of the changes were caused by the increased flight range. The seat pitch (810 mm) remains the same, but the seats are new, more comfortable and improved. The air conditioning system and baggage racks with increased volume are installed, the cabin is illuminated by indirect intensive light. The aircraft equipment provides passengers with in-flight regular meal. The above mentioned characteristics are required for long distance flights up to 9 hours.
    A principal criterion of TU-204-300 cabin layout is flexibility, functionality, safety requirements compliance, ergonomic and easy service. The cabin layout is represented by economy class version for 162 seats, mixed version (8 seats in business class and 134 seats in economy class) or any other version at the customer’s option. High ceiling and comparatively straight outline of cabin wall, wide aisle and large baggage racks, comfortable seats, efficient conditioning and ventilation systems, low noise level make the flight pleasant and less exhausting.
    But it’s not all. Today comfort and hot meal is not enough. The special point of TU-204-300 is entertainment system. It provides passengers with in-flight film watching and listening to the radio, business class seats are equipped with individual displays, in business class joint monitors for TV programs watching are installed every other four rows.
    TU-204-300 is fitted with digital avionics system with 6 colored LCD displays for the flight data and airborne systems status indication, automated navigation system, built-in airborne equipment diagnosis system, digital on-line flight control system, satellite navigation system. Other TU-204 modifications are to be equipped with a number of upgraded systems used on TU-204-300. The liner complies with all international noise and emission requirements. Economic analysis and marketing studies shows that operational efficiency compared with its domestic analogues is 18 percent higher by reducing direct operating costs and increasing profitability of the aircraft operation. Recoupment period of the aircraft on routes will reach 4-5 years. To recoup the flight of TU-204-300 aircraft 78 passenger seats are to be occupied, while under the equal other conditions Il-62M requires 106 passengers for a flight recoupment, B-757 200 - 126 passengers, and IL-96-300 – 140 passengers. “ TU-204-300-says Lev Lanovsky,- is considered to be the most popular on Russian market. TU-204-100 was designed for flights of 2500-3000 km range.
    The airliner is operated on 6000-km range routes. The analysis of current transportation business shows that long-range aircraft with capacity of 140-160 passengers - i.e. TU-204-300 - is to be in great demand. It is necessary to notice that the aircraft can be operated on short-haul routes at restricted takeoff weight and maximum payload. More over, having takeoff weight of 86-90 tons, it can fly from the aerodromes with  the runway length of 1800-2000 m on 3000-3500 km range routes.” “Vladivostok Avia” airline is going to operate new aircraft on long-haul routes. At grand ceremony after acceptance flight to Vladivostok, Yury Ostrovsky , Technical Director of “Ilyushin Finance” leasing Company wished success in new model mastering. He noticed that IFC disposes of a package of orders for TU-204-300, that proves the operational efficiency of new aircraft type.

Vzlet, N2, 2005 16.03.05