Slovak Airlines has signed a letter of intent with Kazan production plant KAPO to acquire two Tupolev Tu-214s in a deal reportedly worth $60 million.
Delivery of the two 168-seaters to the Bratislava-based airline will offset outstanding Soviet Union state debts to Slovakia, says KAPO deputy general director Ildar Mingaleev.
In what is believed to be an unprecedented move, Russian-built airliners will replace Western types - Slovak Airlines deputy general director Robert Domchek says the Tu-214s will replace a Boeing 737-300 and a 757-200 that are now operated. The two Boeings are due to be phased out by the end of next year when the Tu-214s arrive, says Domchek, who adds the airline has also dropped plans to acquire two Fokker 100s.
A higher-weight, longer-range version of the Aviastar-built Tu-204, the Tu-214 entered service in 2001 and seven aircraft have already been delivered to airlines.
The Slovak carrier was launched in 1997 using three Tupolev Tu-154Ms provided by the Slovak government in exchange for an 89.5% stake. This stake has been for sale since earlier this year, and Slovak transport minister Pavol Prokopovic is reported to have said the privatisation could be completed before November.
Domchek says the airline plans to create its own maintenance base for the Tu-214s. It could also cater for the 100-seat Tu-334, with Slovak considering acquiring four aircraft.
Meanwhile, KAPO general director Nail Khairullin says the Russian government is preparing a state ruling to designate the plant as project leader for the Tu-334, the status now held by RSK MiG. "We need a government decree to start production of the Tu-334," he says. "The government of Tatarstan is ready to fund this, having earlier funded Tu-214 certification and production preparation."
VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
Source: Flight International
