Aviacor has delivered the first new-build Chapter 4-compliant Tupolev Tu-154M and is expanding its upgrade programme that includes the installation of winglets.
Two companies, NPO Saturn and Metallist-Samara, have developed Tu-154M Chapter 4 hushkits. Aviacor's general director Sergei Likharev says the new trijet was delivered to the flight department of the Samara regional administration. Aviacor will deliver two more new-build Tu-154Ms this year - one to the Russian defence ministry and one to Kyrgyzstan Airlines. Aviacor also has three Tu-154M white tails, which Likharev expects to be completed and sold to customers over the next two years.
Last year the Samara plant began buying Tu-154Ms, overhauling and upgrading them to the latest production standard for onward resale or lease. Late last year Aviacor delivered the first Tu-154M retrofitted with winglets, which provide a 2-3% reduction in fuel burn during cruise. Deliveries of modified aircraft with maximum take-off weight increased to 104t will begin this year.
Source: Flight International
