Tu-204-100CE
I remember, a while ago guys on Russian aviation Internet forums chattered about ongoing deal with Cubans to deliver a few new-built Tupolevs for them. Eventually It happened.. over one year ago already. And I had a chance to spot one Cubana's Tupolev this spring. We could see it fairly often at Toronto Pearson International this summer.
Comments and faves
konstantinople (44 months ago | reply)
if it's true that it will be a common visitor to toronto summer of 09 it gives me a good reason to visit :-)
Danner Gyde (43 months ago | reply)
Nice. It's a pity that they are so rare. Maybe Aeroflot decided to buy used B767s instead of these
Clashmaker (43 months ago | reply)
konstantinople,
of course, give it a shot. Although, I haven't seen them any more since mid-summer. Maybe, I'm just in a 'wrong slot' to come to Toronto :)
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Danner Gyde,
Yes, it is a HUGE issue now - situation with deliveries of new aircraft to Russian carriers. Russian aircraft manufacturing industry suffered a tremendous setback during the years followed the Soviet Union collapse. And it is still not 'feeling well' enough. There's a big discussion going on now in Russian aviation community, and even far beyond, on the topics of 'urgent measures that shall be taken expeditiously in order to restore the sector', but as they talk and talk, the day-to-day demand in air travel commands practical solution - import the second-hand Western build aircraft.
I'm trying to follow the topic, doing once in a while respective posting on my blog, welcome to visit and we can discuss it there.
As for this particular design, there's also a 'westernized' version of it (204-120), with RR engines, and Western built avionics. Such a combination creates, as a result, quite decent machine. One of them was delivered for DHL lately, and a few of them fly for another fast delivery operator TNT.
As for Aeroflot, you are right - they fly 767s on the long haul routes. Funny, when we would meet them in Toronto, I'm experiencing a 'mix of feeling' :)
Tom Podolec (38 months ago | reply)
Cubana Cargo still fly into YYZ...
usually on Thursday (CUB9180) and leave on Friday (CUB9181).
Aeroflot however flew their last flight into YYZ on March 27, 09. Transaero has taken over the slot.
Clashmaker (38 months ago | reply)
Hi, Tom,
thank you for an update. If I fly in YYZ on those days, I'll keep my eyes open :) Got s few friends working for Transaero too.
Osdu (33 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Tupolev 204/214 and modifications, and we'd love to have this added to the group!