New aircraft close to production

Published: 2/29/2000

Certification trials of the Tu-214 have been successfully completed, following the aircraft"s return from cold weather tests in Yakutiya. It had earlier passed altitude and high temperature trials in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. Certification had been expected at the end of last year, but now looks as if it might be forthcoming at last. KAPO is reported to have six or seven Tu-214 airframes in various stages of completion, with four available for sale. Sibir was reported to be interested in these, and Aeroflot has also recently declared its intention, at least, to opt for the Tu-214. Which airline will actually translate interest into reality has yet to emerge, but Aeroflot seems to be rather more advanced in terms of arranging funding for any deal and a firm order from this quarter could well be forthcoming. Associated articles: www.concise.org. 11th February 2000; 29th December 1999

Article ID: 1490