Russia begins production of 20 Tu-214 aircraft

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has launched production of 20 long-range narrow-body Tu-214 aircraft.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, UAC chief executive officer, Yuri Slyusar confirmed that the Russian made Tu-214s will replace foreign-made Boeing and Airbus passenger planes.

The company will also increase production rates for two further Russian-made aircraft – the Ilyushin Il-96 long-range wide-body passenger jet, and the Ilyushin Il-76, a multi-purpose, four-engine turbofan transporter.

The impact of international sanctions, due to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine has raised issues about how Russia can keep its commercial aircraft flying. Boeing and Airbus have both suspended support for types operated by Russian airlines, including stopping the provision of new parts, maintenance, and technical support.

This has resulted in Russia considering reviving domestic aircraft programs, such as the Tupolev Tu-214 and Ilyushin Il-96.

At the end of March 2022, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov announced that Kazan-based aerospace manufacturer Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO) is expected to produce 10 Tu-214s per year.

In April , Andrei Yelchaninov, a member of the Board of the Military-Industrial Commission of Russia, announced Russia could set up an additional aircraft manufacturing centre in Kazan, the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan, to avoid a possible shortage of spare parts.

The new facility, which could open in early 2023, will produce parts for numerous types of aircraft but will focus on the supply of spare parts for Russian made types, such as the Tu-214 and the Il-76.