Tupolev Tu-204 / Tu-214

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New Tu-214 aircraft built

March 1st, 23:00
On December 27, 2024, another Tu-214 aircraft built at this enterprise made its maiden flight at the airfield of the Kazan Aviation Plant named after S.P. Gorbunov, a branch of PJSC Tupolev (part of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation of the Rostec State Corporation). The aircraft with the factory number (short) 035, serial number 535 and registration number RA-64535 was built as a VIP cabin for the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and became the first new Tu-214 aircraft to take to the air in three and a half years.

The new Tu-214 aircraft (factory number 035, serial number 535, registration number RA-64535), built by the Kazan Aviation Plant named after S.P. Gorbunov, made its maiden flight on December 27, 2024. Gorbunov - a branch of PJSC Tupolev (part of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation of the Rostec State Corporation). Minsk, 02/24/2025 (c) Denisin / russianplanes.net ( link )



It is reported that on February 24, 2025, the RA-64535 aircraft flew from Kazan to Minsk for painting.

The previous Tu-214 aircraft built at the Kazan Aviation Plant was the Tu-214PU (factory number 44912034, serial number 534, registration number RA-64534), which took off on May 28, 2021, and was presumably built for the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation.

In total, 35 Tu-214 aircraft have been built at the Kazan Aviation Plant to date, and the total number of Tu-204/Tu-214 family aircraft built in the USSR and Russia since 1989, including prototypes, has reached 91 units.

The new Tu-214 aircraft (factory number 035, serial number 535, registration number RA-64535), built by the Kazan Aviation Plant named after S.P. Gorbunov, a branch of PJSC Tupolev (part of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation of the Rostec State Corporation). Kazan, 02/24/2025 (c) Timur Badredtinov / russianplanes.net ( link )

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[F-14ATomcat]

The production of the Tupolev Tu-204 and Tu-214 aircraft was strategically divided between two plants: Kazan Aviation Plant (KAPO) and Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk. This decision, influenced by economic and operational concerns, was made during a tumultuous period in the Russian aviation industry following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Aviastar-SP began Tu-204 production in 1992, while KAPO introduced the Tu-214 derivative in 1996.The Role of KAPO and Aviastar-SPThe Tu-214, a modified version of the Tu-204, was designed for extended range and increased payload capacity, requiring specialized manufacturing procedures. KAPO, with a background in military aircraft production, leveraged its expertise and infrastructure to transition into civilian aircraft manufacturing. This shift allowed KAPO to retain its skilled workforce while adapting to new production demands.Meanwhile, Aviastar-SP continued manufacturing Tu-204 variants, ensuring the availability of multiple models to meet market needs. The division of labor between the two plants allowed for better personnel utilization, resource allocation, and reduced lead times for aircraft deliveries.Government Influence and Economic StabilityThe Russian government played a crucial role in supporting this dual-plant manufacturing model. A key factor in this decision was job preservation in multiple regions, ensuring economic stability during an uncertain period. By subsidizing both plants, the government sought to revitalize domestic aircraft manufacturing and sustain technological capabilities in Russia’s aviation sector.Modernization and Production ShiftsAs part of Russia’s broader strategy to expand its aviation industry, both KAPO and Aviastar-SP have embarked on modernization efforts. KAPO is enhancing its production capacity to align with the government's ambitious targets for Tu-214 production, aiming for a substantial increase in annual output.However, Aviastar-SP’s focus is shifting. The last recorded Tu-204 aircraft, a Tu-204-300 VIP version, was delivered to the Russian government in 2016. Since then, there have been no confirmed reports of new Tu-204 production, suggesting that Aviastar-SP is redirecting its efforts toward maintenance and modernization of existing Tu-204 fleets rather than manufacturing new units.Is Aviastar-SP Abandoning Civilian Aircraft?Rather than completely withdrawing from civilian aviation, Aviastar-SP is undergoing a strategic realignment. The company is heavily involved in military aircraft programs, including:Antonov An-124 Ruslan Modernization—Aviastar-SP is upgrading three An-124 aircraft under a government contract to enhance reliability and extend service life.Il-76MD-90A Heavy Transport Aircraft—Aviastar-SP is engaged in major design upgrades, including new engines, reinforced landing gear, and modernized navigation systems.Il-114-300 and MC-21 Participation—The plant contributes to the production of regional and medium-haul aircraft components, supporting Russia’s aviation sector.Potential Tu-204 Tanker Variant—There have been discussions about a military refueling version of the Tu-204, though the project remains in the conceptual phase.The Future of Aviastar-SP: A Military-Oriented FocusAviastar-SP's primary focus has shifted towards military aviation, particularly with the Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft. Under a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, the plant is expected to produce 39 Il-76MD-90A units, solidifying its role in military aircraft production.This transformation reflects a broader trend in Russia’s aviation industry, where geopolitical and economic factors have driven an increased emphasis on military manufacturing. Although Aviastar-SP may still contribute to civilian aircraft production, its long-term trajectory appears increasingly aligned with defense aviation initiatives.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc4qY_PugBg

 

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Tu-214 in Khabarovsk

 

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