KATE SARSFIELD / PARIS
Company to focus initially on domestic customers but overseas opportunities beckon
Tupolev is planning to take a slice of Russia's growing business aircraft market and will begin offering VIP versions of its Tu-214 airliner and proposed Tu-414 regional jet.
Although airlines continue to be the mainstay of Tupolev's strategy, the business aircraft market presents an irresistible opportunity for the Moscow-based company.
Tupolev president assistant Evgeny Aleksandrov says there is a burgeoning demand for business aircraft in Russia stemming from a growing wealthy elite, a flourishing charter market and the emergence of Western and indigenous companies across the region, many of which are seeking for their employees flexible and time-saving alternatives to airline transportation. What is currently available, however, is generally old, noisy or expensive, he says.
There are around 100 business aircraft in Russia. "The majority are older types such as variants of the Yakovlev Yak-40 and Tupolev Tu-134 regional jets and there are a few western-built designs," says Aleksandrov.
The 210-seat Tu-214 would be ideally suited to the corporate shuttle market or as heads of state transportation, he says, adding that Tupolev has designed interiors to suit such roles.
The Tu-414 is based on the 50-seat Tu-324, which is scheduled for certification in 2005 and available in eight-seat executive configuration. The Tu-414 is in early development and few details are available, but as proof of its commitment to the VIP market, Aleksandrov says, Tupolev is touting a dedicated version, dubbed the 414 VIP. "The aircraft will compete in Russia with large cabin aircraft including the GIV and Challenger but the unit price will be much lower."
Tupolev will focus on the Russian market initially, Aleksandrov says, but may eventually widen its effort internationally.
He admits this task could be hampered by western operators' often negative perception of Russian-built aircraft.
Source: Flight International
