Tupolev Tu-204
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1922 |
| Headquarters | Moscow , Russia |
| Products | Aircraft, including Tupolev Tu-204 series |
| Parent | United Aircraft Corporation |
Tupolev Tu-204 / Tu-214 / Tu-234
The Tupolev Tu-204 (Russian: Туполев Ту-204) is a twin-engine, medium-range, narrow-body jet airliner designed to accommodate up to 210 passengers. Developed by the Tupolev design bureau and manufactured by Aviastar-SP alongside the Kazan Aircraft Production Association, this aircraft first entered service in 1995. It was engineered to compete with the Boeing 757, offering comparable performance and fuel efficiency, albeit with a slightly reduced range and payload capacity.
Originally created for Aeroflot during the 1990s to succeed the medium-range Tupolev Tu-154 trijet, the Tu-204 series has evolved over time. The most advanced variant, the Tu-204SM, featuring substantial enhancements, completed its maiden flight on 29 December 2010. In April 2022, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced intentions to produce 70 units of the Tu-214 model by 2030. Nevertheless, by early 2024, Aeroflot revealed plans to shift its fleet orders exclusively toward the next-generation Yakovlev MC-21 jets. This decision stems from several factors, including the absence of a two-pilot cockpit configuration on the Tu-214, as well as the necessity to replace evacuation slides and approximately 13% of its avionics systems—such as the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)—with Russian-made components. Despite these developments, production efforts continue, particularly focusing on the development of new domestically manufactured aircraft parts.
Design and development
The Tu-204 series was engineered as a versatile family of aircraft, encompassing passenger, cargo, combi, and quick-change configurations. It is equipped with either two Aviadvigatel PS-90 engines or Rolls-Royce RB211 powerplants. Production takes place at two major Russian aerospace manufacturing facilities located in Ulyanovsk (Tu-204 variants) and Kazan (Tu-214 models).
The cabin design of the Tu-204 offers multiple arrangements, including a standard single-class setup accommodating 210 passengers, as well as two- or three-class layouts with capacities ranging from 164 to 193 seats. Several European and Egyptian airlines operate the cargo version of the Tu-204 successfully.
Passenger seating is arranged in a 3–3 configuration for economy and 2–2 for Business class. The business class section features a seat pitch measuring 810 millimetres (31.9 in). The interior can be segmented into distinct class compartments using removable bulkheads and curtains, illuminated by indirect lighting. Overhead storage bins designed for luggage and coats are enclosed. Each passenger is allocated a baggage volume of approximately 0.052 cubic metres (1.8 cu ft).
In 1994, the initial certification for the Tu-204 equipped with PS-90A engines was granted. Subsequent certifications have expanded its operational parameters. The Tu-204-120 model, certified with Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engines, adheres to the noise standards outlined in Chapter 3 of Supplement 16 to ICAO, thereby fulfilling all prevailing European and ICAO noise regulations. Meanwhile, the Tu-204-100 variant fitted with PS-90A engines meets the quieter noise limits specified in Chapter 4 of Supplement 16 to ICAO. The aircraft has been certified according to Russian AP-25 standards, which align with FAR-25 and JAR-25 requirements.
Technology
The Tu-204 belongs to the same generation of Russian commercial aircraft as the Ilyushin Il-96. It incorporates advanced features including fly-by-wire flight controls, a glass cockpit, and supercritical wing designs equipped with winglets. The aircraft can be outfitted with either domestic Russian or international avionics systems. Its wings and tail surfaces exhibit a natural resistance to ice accumulation, which eliminates the need for conventional anti-icing equipment. Among modern airliners, the Tu-204 uniquely operates without wing anti-icing systems. Safety during test flights was verified without these anti-icing features on critical surfaces, leading to certification by both Russian and European aviation authorities.[1]
Tu-204/204C
The Tu-204 serves as the standard passenger model, while the Tu-204C is designed primarily for cargo operations. The most commonly utilized variants within these categories are the -100C and -120C.
Tu-204-100/200
Introduced in January 1995, this initial model is powered by Soloviev (currently Aviadvigatel) PS90 turbofan engines delivering 157 kN (35,300 lbf) of thrust and incorporates Russian-made avionics alongside its engines. The heavier Tu-204-200 variant includes additional fuel capacity to extend its operational range. Only one unit of this version was produced at Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk but remains undelivered (RA-64036). Currently, production of this variant continues exclusively at the KAPO facility in Kazan under the designation Tu-214. Cargo adaptations of these models are the Tu-204-100C and Tu-204-200C, each featuring a forward main deck freight door. As of Template:When, the Tu-204-100/200 series can be equipped with an enhanced Aviadvigatel PS90A2 turbofan engine, which offers a 40% increase in time between overhauls.
The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) for the Tu-204-100 is 107.5 tonnes, with a range capability of approximately 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) when configured to carry 196 passengers in a two-class layout.
Tu-204-120/220/120C/220C
To enhance market competitiveness, the Tu-204-120/220 series incorporates non-Russian avionics and propulsion systems. It is equipped with a pair of Rolls-Royce RB211-535 engines, each delivering a thrust of 192 kN (43,100 lbf). The initial operator was Egypt's Cairo Aviation, which received its first Tu-204-120 alongside the cargo variant, the Tu-204-120C, in November 1998. The Tu-204-220 and its freight counterpart, the Tu-204-220C, represent versions with increased maximum takeoff weight compared to the original Tu-204-120.
The Tu-204-120 model supports a maximum takeoff weight of 103 metric tons and offers a range of approximately 4,600 kilometres (2,500 nmi) while accommodating 196 passengers in a two-class layout.
Tu-204-300
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The Tu-204-300, also referred to as the Tu-234, is a derivative of the Tu-204 that is both shorter and optimized for extended range with improved efficiency. This variant is roughly six meters (20 ft) shorter than the standard Tu-204 and comes in two configurations: one heavier model powered by Aviadvigatel PS-90A2 turbofan engines, featuring a maximum takeoff weight of 107.5 metric tons and an extended range of 9,300 kilometres (5,000 nmi) carrying 166 passengers; and a lighter version with a maximum takeoff weight of 89 metric tons and a range of 3,500 kilometres (1,900 nmi) for the same passenger count. The former Russian carrier Vladivostok Air was the first to operate this aircraft type, configuring it in a two-class arrangement seating 142 passengers. In 2009, these aircraft averaged 9.35 flight hours per day. Additionally, Air Koryo currentlyTemplate:When operates one Tu-204-100B and one Tu-204-300, utilizing these aircraft on routes connecting Pyongyang to Beijing, Bangkok, Vladivostok, Shenyang, and Kuala Lumpur.
Tu-204-500
This variant of the Tu-204-300 is tailored for shorter-haul flights, featuring reduced wing size and an increased cruise speed reaching Mach 0.84, positioning it as a competitor to the Next Generation Boeing 737. It holds an ETOPS certification and is equipped with a Honeywell 331-200ER APU.
Tu-206
The Tu-206 represents a concept aircraft financed internally by the company, intended to serve as a testbed for alternative fuel applications, with a particular focus on liquefied natural gas utilization.
Tu-204SM
The Tu-204SM, also referred to as the Tu-204CM, is a medium-range passenger aircraft that constitutes an enhanced iteration of the Tu-204-100/300 series. While preserving the fundamental aerodynamic and design elements of the earlier Tu-204-100/100E/100V models, it incorporates multiple improvements aimed at compliance with current and forthcoming Russian and international regulatory frameworks, including those established by ICAO and Eurocontrol.
One of the notable advancements in the Tu-204SM is its modernized cockpit, designed to be operated by a two-pilot crew instead of the original three. This cockpit upgrade integrates new avionics such as the VSUPT-85-2040 computer, an advanced flight management system (ASO-204/FMS), expansive LCD screens (KSEIS-204E), HUDs, and an automated onboard maintenance and diagnostic system. Additionally, the aircraft implements the electronic flight bag concept, with all interfaces and controls presented in English.
Propulsion is provided by two PS-90A2 engines, which represent a significant enhancement over the initial PS-90A models. These engines feature a unified twin-spool turbofan design with a high bypass ratio. The PS-90A2 offers an estimated 35% reduction in life cycle costs compared to its predecessor while simultaneously improving reliability by 50 to 100%. It complies with the Russian AP-33 standard, harmonized with US FAR Part 33 and European JAR33 requirements.
Additional upgrades include a new APU (TA-18 APU-200), alongside modernized fuel management, hydraulic systems, and fire safety equipment.
The cabin layout accommodates up to 210 passengers in a high-density configuration or 174 passengers in a standard two-class arrangement. Interior enhancements encompass larger overhead storage compartments, multicolored LED lighting, noise-dampening materials, and a contemporary in-flight entertainment system (IFE).
The unit cost for the Tu-204SM is projected to range between USD 40 million and 47 million.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
The aircraft completed its maiden test flight successfully on 29 December 2010. Initial plans targeted deliveries starting in 2011; however, as of December 2019, no units have been delivered and it appears unlikely that the program will reach full production.
Tu-204SM purchase agreements
The initial purchaser of the Tu-204SM was Red Wings Airlines. Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) indicated that negotiations with Red Wings for 44 Tu-204SM units would conclude by February, aiming to finalize a binding contract by March 2011. Red Wings already operated Tu-204-100 and Tu-204-100V aircraft, having added one such airframe to their fleet in 2010. As Russia’s leading aircraft lessor, Ilyushin Finance had previously supplied Tu-204-100 models to Cubana, Air Koryo, and Red Wings, as well as Tu-204-300 variants to Vladivostok Avia and Air Koryo. Due to slow production rates of the Tu-204 series, Tupolev requested suppliers to reduce component costs, targeting an overall price cut of 27–30%. These suppliers agreed on the condition that 44 confirmed orders for the Tu-204SM would be secured by 2016.
By January 2012, a definitive contract with Red Wings had not been signed, primarily because of demands for guarantees regarding the aircraft’s residual value and after-sales services at costs comparable to Airbus or Boeing equivalents. Subsequently, Red Wings reportedly reduced its original order from 44 down to 15 Tu-204SMs, influenced by delays in flight testing and a decline in interest from the lessor Ilyushin Finance.
A significant order from Iran Air Tours faced uncertainty due to sanctions imposed on Iran’s economy. Since the American firm Pratt & Whitney was involved in developing the engine alongside the Perm Engine Company, completing the deal became problematic. An alternative proposal involved outfitting the Tu-204SMs with the Russian-made PS-90A engines used on the original Tu-204 model; however, this arrangement ultimately did not come to fruition.
At the 2016 Singapore Air Show, the Vice President of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation revealed that all customers who had placed orders for the Tu-204 had since become insolvent, resulting in no active orders for the Tu-204SM. Consequently, Tupolev suspended further development of this aircraft, and UAC planned to remove it from their pricing list once the Irkut MC-21 entered service.
Tu-214 variants
Tu-214
The Tu-214 represents another model derived from the Tu-204 series, having made its inaugural flight on 21 March 1996. Technically classified as a Tu-204-200, a key distinction is its manufacturing location. While the Tu-204 units are assembled by Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk, the Tu-214 is produced at the Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO) facility in Kazan. Both production sites operate independently from the Tupolev design bureau and maintain some influence over the design adaptations specific to their respective variants.
One notable difference between the two models lies in the fuselage door configuration: the Tu-214 features a full-sized main door on the left side ahead of the wing. In contrast, the Tu-204 is equipped with two main doors and two emergency exits, whereas the Tu-214 has three main doors and a single emergency exit.
Essentially, the Tu-214 is an enhanced gross weight version of the Tu-204, incorporating additional fuel tanks and structural reinforcements to accommodate increased weight. Due to these modifications, the Russian government favors using this platform for developing 'Special Mission' variants. Some of these specialized versions reportedly possess an extended range capability of up to 10,000 kilometers without refueling.
By July 2018, three Tupolev Tu-214 aircraft were actively operated by Rossiya.
In March 2022, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov mentioned the potential to restart large-scale production of the Tu-214 amid international sanctions linked to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Subsequently, on 6 April 2022, Yuri Slusar confirmed that United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) had initiated manufacturing of 20 Tu-214 planes intended to replace Russia’s existing Boeing and Airbus passenger fleet.
On 16 August 2022, UAC revealed plans to boost Tupolev Tu-214 output to at least 10–12 units annually, targeting a total production of 70 aircraft by 2030. The first commercial Tu-214 delivery was initially anticipated in 2024 but was postponed to 2025; nevertheless, in November of that year, a fully Russian-built prototype completed its maiden flight as a test platform.
Tu-214ON
The Tu-214ON represents a specialized reconnaissance variant of the Tu-204-200, purpose-built for missions under the Treaty on Open Skies and manufactured by the Kazan Aircraft Production Association. The airborne surveillance suite, ground control systems, and additional mission-specific equipment were developed by Vega Radio Engineering Corporation. This aircraft carries one A-84ON panoramic camera, an AK-111 topographic camera, and a pair of AK-112 digital aerial cameras designed to produce high-resolution aerial imagery. Additionally, it is outfitted with two video cameras, a Raduga infrared thermographic camera, and a Ronsard Side looking airborne radar for comprehensive observation capabilities.
The initial Tu-214ON (registration RA-64519) was unveiled at the MAKS-2011 air show held in Moscow. Its maiden test flight occurred on 1 June 2011, followed by a total of 24 test flights completed by December that year. In April 2013, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation conducted official evaluations to certify both the airborne and ground systems installed on the Tu-214ON. The aircraft was formally handed over to the Russian Defence Ministry on 22 August 2013. The second unit (RA-64525) first took to the skies on 18 December 2013 and was delivered on 4 July 2014. The Tu-214ON is intended to succeed the Tupolev Tu-154 and Antonov An-30 in its reconnaissance role.
Following Russia’s withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies in 2021—prompted by the United States’ earlier exit in 2020—the two Tu-214ON aircraft previously assigned to treaty observation missions have since been repurposed for military reconnaissance flights over Crimea.
Tu-214PU
This model serves as an airborne command center. Six units are in operation, dedicated to the Russian President.[2]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Tu-214SR
Designed as a communications relay aircraft, five Tu-214SRs are operated by Special Flight Unit Rossiya on behalf of the Russian government.[2]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[3][4]
Tu-214SUS
This variant functions as a communications relay platform specifically for the Russian President. Two aircraft of this type have been delivered.[2][4]
Tu-214R
The Tu-214R represents a special-mission adaptation of the Tu-214 commercial airliner, developed under the project designation 'Project 141' to succeed the Il-20 ELINT platform. It is outfitted with the MRC-411 multi-intelligence suite, which includes electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors, side-looking Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and other Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) equipment. Additionally, it carries multi-spectral electro-optical systems.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Test flights have been conducted over the Sea of Japan, although the program encountered difficulties in January 2013.
The aircraft was publicly unveiled at the Moscow Air Show MAKS in August 2013 and was highlighted as a reconnaissance platform for monitoring compliance with treaties such as the Treaty on Open Skies, particularly for observing U.S. activities.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
By January 2015, two Tu-214Rs were engaged in test flights with the Russian Air Force.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In February 2016, reports indicated deployment of one Tu-214R to the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia, Syria.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In July 2016, two flights took place near the borders of Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. The aircraft, registered as RA-64514, conducted close passes within several dozen kilometers of Finland's border on July 5 and 7.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Following its operations in Syria, the Tu-214R was declared fully combat-ready. It was reportedly utilized during the 2022 conflict in Ukraine.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Tu-214PU-SBUS
This specialized aircraft serves as a command and control platform, outfitted with the unique onboard communication system SBUS-214, specifically designed for the Russian Ministry of Defence. Constructed entirely with domestically produced components, the aircraft complies with the specifications set by state authorities and boasts a minimum operational range of 7,200 km (4,500 mi). Its primary function is to enhance the communication capabilities available to its operators. In November 2015, the Russian Ministry of Defence commissioned two units of this model. The initial aircraft was handed over in March 2018, followed by the second delivery in June of the same year.
Tu-214LMK
The Tu-214LMK is a flying testbed derived from a standard Tu-214 passenger aircraft (registration RA-64507) and equipped with the multifunctional LMK-214 flight system. This platform is utilized for airborne trials of a new radar suite and additional avionics intended for the upgraded Tupolev Tu-160M2 and the forthcoming Tupolev PAK DA strategic bomber programs. Flight testing commenced on 29 December 2018.
Operators
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By July 2018, fourteen Tupolev aircraft were active in commercial operations.[5] The list of current operators as of August 2024 is as follows:Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
| Carrier | Model | Active Fleet |
Orders Pending |
Stored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Country data PRCTemplate:Namespace detect showall Air China Cargo | Tu-204-120CE | – | 2 | 1 |
| Template:Country data North KoreaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Air Koryo | Tu-204-100 | 1 | – | – |
| Tu-204-300 | 1 | – | – | |
| Russia Aviastar-TU | Tu-204-100C | 1 | – | 1 |
| Russia Aviastar-TU Co. Ltd | Tu-204 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Russia Business Aero (operating for VTB) | Tu-204-300A | 1Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name |
– | – |
| Template:Country data CubaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Cubana de Aviación | Tu-204-100E | 3 | – | 1 |
| Russia Kosmos Airlines | Tu-204-100 | 1 | – | – |
| Russia Red Wings Airlines | Tu-204-100 | 2 | – | 2 |
| Tu-214 | – | – | 1 | |
| Russia Roscosmos | Tu-204-300 | 2 | – | – |
| Russia RusJet | Tu-204-100B | 1 | – | – |
| Russia Russair | Tu-204-100E | 1 | – | – |
| Russia Russian Aerospace Forces | Tu-214 | 2 | – | – |
| Russia Russian Post | Tu-204-100C | 2 | – | – |
| Russia Special Flight Squadron "Rossiya" | Tu-204-300 | 3 | – | – |
| Tu-214 | 4 | – | – | |
| Tu-214SR | 5 | – | – | |
| Tu-214PU | 4 | – | – | |
| Russia UVT Aero | Tu-214 | – | 2 |
The Tupolev remains a relatively uncommon aircraft, typical of post-Soviet Russian designs, with a total production count of only eighty-six units by December 2019. In response to sanctions imposed in 2022, Russia has set a goal to manufacture a minimum of ten new jets annually to replenish its fleets.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Previous operators
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| Carrier | Aircraft Model |
Year Withdrawn |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia Aeroflot | Tu-204-100C | 2001 | Transferred to various other carriers such as Vnukovo Airlines. |
| Template:Country data ChinaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Cainiao | Tu-204-100C | 2022 | Operated by Aviastar-TU. Aircraft lost due to fire at Hangzhou and declared a total loss. |
| Egypt Cairo Aviation | Tu-204-120/120C | 2018 | Ceased operations following bankruptcy in 2018. |
| Russia Dalavia | Tu-214 | 2009 | Declared bankrupt in 2009. |
| Russia Kavminvodyavia | Tu-204-100 | 2011 | Bankruptcy led to discontinuation in 2011. |
| Russia Kras Air | Tu-214 | 2008 | Operations ended due to bankruptcy in 2008. |
| Russia Rossiya Airlines | Tu-204-100 | 2014 | Aircraft placed into long-term storage. |
| Russia S7 Airlines | Tu-204-100 | 2005 | Fleet expanded following the collapse of Vnukovo Airlines. |
| Russia Transaero | Tu-214 | 2015 | Initial customer for this model. Operations ceased in 2015. |
| Russia Vladivostok Avia | Tu-204-300 | 2013 | First operator of this variant. |
| Russia Vnukovo Airlines | Tu-204-100 | 2001 | Original launch customer; ceased operations due to bankruptcy in 2001. |
Orders that were cancelled
| Carrier | Aircraft Model | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Germany Blue Wings | Tu-204-100/204SM | Intended to acquire units from parent company Red Wings Airlines. Declared bankrupt in 2010. |
| Russia Omskavia | Tu-204-100 | Bankruptcy resulted in order cancellation in 2008. |
Annual production figures
| Year | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units built | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units built | 4 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Sources: russianplanes.net
Technical specifications
| 204-100 / 204-120 | 214 | 204–300 | 204SM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight deck crew | Three pilots required | Two pilots required | ||
| Passenger capacity | 172–210 seats | 180–210 seats | 142–156 seats | 176–215 seats |
| Seat spacing | (pitch)32–47 inches | (pitch)32–39 inches | (pitch)32–46 inches | (pitch)32–38 inches |
| Overall length | 46.14 m (151 ft 5 in) | 40.19 m (131 ft 10 in) | 46.14 m (151 ft 5 in) | |
| Wingspan and area | 41.8 m (137 ft 2 in) span, 184.2 m2 (1,983 sq ft) wing surface area | |||
| Height | 13.9 m (45 ft 7 in) | |||
| Fuselage dimensions | Width: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in), Height: 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in) | |||
| Cabin dimensions | Width: 3.57 m (11 ft 9 in), Height: 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) | |||
| Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) | ||||
| 110.75 t (244,200 lb) | 107 t (236,000 lb) | 108 t (238,000 lb) | ||
| Maximum payload capacity | 21.0 t (46,300 lb) | 25.2 t (56,000 lb) | 18.0 t (39,700 lb) | 23.0 \t lb[convert: unknown unit] |
| Fuel volume capacity | 35.7 \t lb[convert: unknown unit]
(tonnes) | |||
| Engines (two units) | ||||
| Thrust per engine (two engines) | ||||
| Cruise speed / Max speed | ||||
| Maximum range with full payload | ||||
| Takeoff distance at MTOW | ||||
| Service ceiling | ||||
Accidents and incidents
- On 14 January 2002, Siberia Airlines Flight 852, operating a Tupolev Tu-204-100 (RA-64011), suffered a dual engine flameout, resulting in a glide and runway overrun at Omsk Airport. The aircraft incurred minor damage but was subsequently repaired and returned to service. This same airframe was later written off in a 2010 crash.
- On 22 March 2010, Aviastar-TU Flight 1906, involving the previously mentioned aircraft from the Siberia Airlines incident, crash-landed short of the runway near Moscow Domodedovo Airport during a nighttime approach amid fog and poor visibility. No fatalities occurred; however, four out of eight crew members sustained serious injuries. The flight was a non-revenue repositioning trip without passengers. The final accident report released by the МАК in September 2010 identified pilot error as the primary cause, citing contributing factors such as insufficient crew training, poor cockpit resource management, autoflight system failures, and significant regulatory breaches by Aviastar-TU. This event marked the first hull loss of a Tu-204.
- On 29 December 2012 at approximately 16:35 local time (12:35 GMT), Red Wings Airlines Flight 9268 overran runway 19 while landing at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) following a non-revenue repositioning flight from Pardubice Airport, Czech Republic. The aircraft collided with an elevated highway, dispersing debris onto passing vehicles before coming to rest about 400 meters (1,300 feet) beyond the runway’s end. Among the eight crew members on board, five perished and three were seriously injured. Additionally, a motorist on the highway sustained serious injuries from debris propelled by the aircraft’s nose wheel; the incident was captured on video by another driver. This accident represented the second runway overrun involving a Red Wings-operated Tu-204 within nine days, following an earlier December 20 event where a flight from Moscow Vnukovo to Novosibirsk exceeded runway 25 by approximately 1,150 feet (350 meters) at Tolmachevo Airport, ending up in an open field. Analysis of flight data recorders indicated brake malfunction and engine thrust reverser problems as significant contributors in both overruns, prompting issuance of additional airworthiness directives. To date, this remains the only fatal accident involving a Tu-204.
- On 24 August 2016, Aviastar-TU Flight 9625, utilizing a Tu-204S (RA-64021), was declared a total loss after experiencing a hard landing at Norilsk Airport that caused the aircraft to bounce. Upon taxiing to its parking stand, severe damage was identified on the rear wing spar.
- On 22 August 2018, one of the Aviadvigatel PS-90 engines on Red Wings Flight 808, a Tu-204-100 (RA-64050) operating from Ufa to Sochi, suffered an engine surge during takeoff from Ufa International Airport, which led to an engine fire. Despite no fire warnings being received by the crew and failure of both automatic and manual fire suppression systems to fully extinguish the flames, emergency responders extinguished the fire after landing. Passengers were safely evacuated through emergency slides on the right side of the aircraft with no injuries reported. A formal investigation was initiated by Rosaviatsia, Russia's Civil Aviation Authority.
- On 8 January 2022, Aviastar-TU Flight 6534, operating for Cainiao, Alibaba’s Chinese logistics program, experienced severe fire damage in the cockpit caused by an oxygen supply leak just prior to taxiing at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. The cargo flight destined for Novosibirsk suffered extensive burn damage but resulted in no fatalities.
See also
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References
- ↑ Кощеев, Платонов & Храбров 2009, p. 286.
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Sources
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External links
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