Aeroflot is preparing to introduce its first batch of 11 Tu-214 aircraft, each configured to carry 175 passengers in a two-class layout that balances comfort with efficiency. The report from RBC, citing correspondence between Aeroflot and the aircraft maker United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), which operates under the Rostec umbrella, confirms the core cabin configuration and delivery timetable. The agreement centers on a total of 175 seats across the cabin, with 12 seats designated for business class and 163 for economy. In a notable operational adjustment for over-water routes, five seats on each aircraft will be removed and replaced with life rafts, reducing the seat count to 170 on those missions. Entertainment screens and in-flight entertainment systems are slated to be installed, but not until 2026, and the initial batch will not feature in-flight internet connectivity.
The publication indicates that the first five Tu-214s are slated for delivery between December 2024 and January 2025, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s domestic fleet expansion. In a broader fleet plan, Aeroflot aims to have 63 aircraft delivered by the end of 2025, consisting of 18 MC-21s, 34 Sukhoi Superjet 100s, and 11 Tu-214s, with an aggregate program cost estimated at about 175.4 billion rubles. Analysts view this phased rollout as a strategic move to modernize long-range and regional air transport capabilities while gradually integrating newer proven platforms alongside domestic aircraft programs.
Earlier statements from Kazan Aviation Plant, a division of Tupolev, indicated intentions to produce and deliver three Tu-214 aircraft by early 2024, reflecting a commitment to sustaining local manufacturing capacity. This plan aligns with a broader national objective to maintain domestic aviation production, support employment within the sector, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical parts and systems. Industry observers note that the Tu-214 program is part of a wider modernization effort that includes parallel programs and collaborations within the domestic aviation ecosystem.
In context, the discussions around the Tu-214, along with other contemporary Russian airliners, illustrate ongoing efforts to strengthen national air mobility while addressing perceived gaps in the availability of imported aircraft. The dialogue highlights a transition from reliance on foreign-built fleets toward a more self-reliant aviation industry, with timing, capacity, and seating configurations carefully negotiated to meet strategic and economic priorities. The communication cited by RBC and corroborated by multiple industry sources underscores a measured approach to fleet renewal, balancing constraints and opportunities as the sector adapts to evolving operational requirements and geopolitical realities.