THE FUTURE OF THE Tupolev Tu-204 has been thrown into doubt, following a decision by Aeroflot-Russian International Airlines (ARIA) to leave the Russian Aviation Consortium, an industrial investment group set up to promote the aircraft.
ARIA has already invested around 48 billion roubles ($10 million) in the consortium, but its enthusiasm for the Tu-204 has been fading, culminating in its decision to lease ten Boeing 737-400s (Flight International, 29 May-5 June).
The carrier's planned order, for up to 40 Tu-204s now looks likely to be dropped.
The Russian Aviation Consortium also includes Tupolev, Aviastar (manufacturer of the Tu-204), Aviadvigatel, Perm Motors (PS-90A engine builder), Promstroi-bank and the Universal Research and Production Centre (owner of Oriol Avia, the first Tu-204 operator).
Source: Flight International
