NEWS (May, 2006)

“THERE ARE GOOD EXPORT PROSPECTS FOR TU-204-300”, SAYS BORIS ALYOSHIN

Boris Alyoshin, Head of Federal Industrial Agency, who came to ILA-2006, Berlin from Moscow by Russian TU-204-300 manufactured by Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP considers this airliner quite suitable for export.
“I must say that it was a pleasure to travel by Tu-204-300. In my opinion we have built a rather good aircraft, our design bureaus together with the customers and sellers succeeded in implementing this project.”- he informed “RIA” news.
“Unfortunately we have wasted much time and now can hardly make up for it. We must devote our energies to make this airplane available at foreign markets; today we try to do our best to increase its export. This task is not but primary of the Government and Tupolev corporation”,- continued B. Alyoshin.
In 1995 TU-204-300 enlarged Russian passenger fleet. The first four airplanes of this modification were delivered to “VladivostokAvia” performing flights to Vnukovo airport. On the 27th June 2005 Tu-204-300 carried passengers for the first time on route Vladivostok-Moscow (Vnukovo).
TU-204-300 became the first up-to-date Russian two-engine passenger airplane capable of flying on long distances without refuelling en-route. “NOVOSTI” Information Agency 16.05.06

THE AIRCRAFT MEANT FOR CHINA HAS PERFORMED ITS FIRST FLIGHT

    On the 14th of May Tu-204-120CE aircraft for “Air China Cargo” (China) performed its first flight. The flight program involved service ability test, stability mode and handling tests, balancing. The aircraft, supplied with modern equipment, spent 1 hour and 24 minutes in the air. It was operated by Tupolev crew.
    On the whole, four familiarization flights are to be provided for within the next few days. Then the aircraft will undergo the program of certification tests according to JAR-25 and Chinese aviation requirements. Its delivery is planned for September this year.
    Tu-204-120CE is a cargo updated “terminal” aircraft with English cockpit and on-board data indicators in British measuring system. For the first time the Russian aircraft is supplied with the automatical board-earth data link system regarding equipment and engines condition. The cargo compartment utilization is increased to 98% due to the extra cargo container in the tail section.

AVIASTAR-SP STARTS AIRCRAFT SERIAL PRODUCTION IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS 2006

    This matter was discussed at the production meeting of Aviastar management regarding results of work in April. At the meeting Irek Aminov, Aviastar-SP Production Director, mentioned that the production plan had been fulfilled. Tu-204-120CE aircraft was transferred to certification tests. Aviastar has provided maintenance of 4 TU-204-300s, successfully operated by VladivostokAvia.
    Viktor Mikhailov, Aviastar-SP General Director, said that the main task for the second part of 2006 was to start aircraft serial production. There is a good reason for that. On the 4th of May “Ilyushin Finance Co.” and Aviastar-SP signed a contract of purchase of 13 Tu-204s to be delivered to Russian and foreign operators. The price of the Contract exceeds 300 mln USD. The airplanes are to be delivered in 2006-2008.
    Due to a great deal of work regarding optimizing production process, retaining highly-qualified personnel, attracting and training young people a favourable forecast may be made. Moreover the mentioned contract stipulates for an option of 10 aircraft which may become a firm order in the fourth quarter of 2007. “But before that we must fulfil our obligations of the first contract”, said Viktor Mikhailov.

CSC 'Aviastar-SP' PR Department. Tel.: 29-17-18, 29-28-07, 29-09-22