THE AVIASTAR production plant is in advanced negotiations for the sale of 60 Rolls-Royce-powered Tupolev Tu-204s to a Russian leasing company. In a separate move, Tupolev says that it is close to clinching an agreement on a potential sale of a further ten aircraft.
Negotiations between Aviastar, R-R, Rockwell-Collins and Russia's ROK Finance about the sale of a mixed fleet of 60 Tu-204-120s and -222s could be completed in September, say sources close to the talks.
The 220-seat aircraft are to go to Russia's Trans-European Aviation Leasing (TALK), and will be fitted with R-R RB211-535 turbofans. The contract could be worth some £500 million, says the engine manufacturer.
Rockwell-Collins will provide the avionics suite for the -222 series aircraft, in partnership with Aviastar, the GosNIIAS state research institute and Tupolev. The first two aircraft to be handed over to TALK could be completed as early as December.
Tupolev adds that it has signed a protocol of intent with Moscow-based Rus Mavial, representing Magadan Airlines and Krasnoyarsk Airlines, for the sale of an additional ten Tu-204-120s - the R-R-powered version without Rockwell-Collins avionics.
According to Tupolev, Rus Mavial wants its aircraft by the end of 1996, and a final contract is expected in September.
Sources in Moscow say that Tupolev is also in negotiations with Cairo Aviation of Egypt for the sale of up to 25 R-R-powered 204s - some in the freighter configuration.
The basic version of the aircraft, with Russian Perm PS-90A engines and with Russian avionics, was certificated earlier this year. Certification of the RB211-powered -120 series is expected by the end of this year, says Tupolev. The first aircraft with Rockwell-Collins avionics is expected to fly in 1997.
ROK says that the possibility of TALK acquiring a further 40 to 60 Tu-204s with PS-90A engines is also being evaluated with Aviastar, in consultation with Russian banks who are considering supporting the deal.
Tupolev has revealed plans for a new variant of the Tu-204-200, to be called the Tu-224. The aircraft will be developed in co-operation with AlliedSignal Aerospace, which is to produce an avionics package via its ARIA joint venture with Russia's Avionics Research Institute (NIIAO). The aircraft will be powered by RB211-535E4 turbofans.
Source: Flight International
