Aeroflot withdraws Soviet-built jet from service

Travelers who fly regularly with Aeroflot—Russia’s national airline—will notice that the carrier has removed one of the most prominent symbols and reminders of its Soviet past—namely, the Tupolev-134 aircraft. The Tu-134 was retired from Aeroflot’s fleet this week, after having been a staple of the Russian air travel industry since 1967. Aeroflot has announced that these ageing planes will now be replaced by the Sukhoi SuperJet 100, a modern, Russian-built aircraft, which is seen as ideal for passenger transport on regional and short-haul routes. Aeroflot will begin using these new planes later this year, and it will also purchase several Airbus A-319 and A-320 aircraft in order to replace the 14 Tu-134 planes that the carrier retired from its fleet.

Aeroflot used the twin-engine Tu-134 on many of its domestic, regional routes. The plane’s maximum capacity was for 76 passengers and it could fly a distance of up to 1,864 miles. A small handful of Eastern European and Central Asian airlines continue to operate the TU-134, including Belavia (of Belarus), Azerbaijan Airlines, Tajik Air and Moskovia Airlines. Those who would still like to experience flying in a Soviet-built aircraft need not worry, however, as the Tupolev 154—a tri-jet plane that seats up to 164 passengers–is still used by Aeroflot and will likely remain in service for the foreseeable future.

Aeroflot is Russia’s largest airline, as well as the country’s flag carrier. According to most recent estimates, Aeroflot controls about 51% of the country domestic air travel market.

www.aeroflot.co.uk