Tu-204 Revival: A Quick Response to Tu-214 Failures

The revival of mass production of the Tu-204 is a topic that repeatedly surfaces in the information space against the backdrop of disrupted schedules for the Tu-214 and the general need for reliable medium-range airliners for domestic and short-haul routes. What exactly are the real advantages of the Tu-204 over its "older brother" — in the article by "First Technical".

Why are talks about revival relevant?

Currently, the production of the Tu-214 in Kazan repeatedly faces delays — production plans are regularly revised, which creates a shortage of aircraft and risks for carriers.

Against this background, the return of a platform proven over the years looks like a logical option for diversifying the industrial base of the aviation industry.

Technical and operational logic — what was the Tu-204 valued for?

Let us remind you that the Tu-204 is a family of medium-range aircraft with a wide range of modifications (passenger, cargo, VIP) and certificates for international flights.

Also, the Tu-204 is much easier to adapt to different roles and has a "historically" more accessible maintenance cycle at a number of factories and air fleets — for example, at "Aviastar" in Ulyanovsk.

Advantages of the Tu-204 compared to the Tu-214

Serial assembly of the Tu-204 is much simpler, because the model was produced at different sites, which makes it possible to redistribute assembly outside the Kazan Aviation Plant.

Also, the investment threshold for restoration is much lower. Restoring and modernizing existing Tu-204s is often cheaper than quickly increasing the volume of the new Tu-214.

The Tu-214 is a modernized version with a larger take-off weight and range; it is impossible to completely abandon it — it is preferable for long-haul hub lines.

There are also opinions of officials and experts that the revival of the serial Tu-204 as such is meaningless without a comprehensive modernization program and a sales market. For example, two years ago, Denis Manturov, then head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, considered the revival of Tu-204 production unpromising.

To be or not to be

The revival of the Tu-204 makes sense as a quick tool to reduce dependence on a single production point, return flexible and proven machines to the fleet, and provide a margin of safety in case of further disruptions to the Tu-214.

For a sustainable effect, a clear program of modernization, financing and guarantees of orders from carriers and the state is needed.

Earlier www1.ru reported that Russia will earn billions of dollars for the aviation industry by producing the SJ-100 abroad.

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