Aeroflot has approached Tupolev, a division within United Aircraft Corporation, with a formal request to implement a wide range of cabin changes across the Tu-214 passenger fleet. The carrier aims to finalize as many as 99 specific alterations to interior configurations, reflecting a strategic push to modernize and optimize the passenger experience. These plans emerged from documented correspondence between Aeroflot and the manufacturer, underscoring the airline’s intent to tailor the aircraft’s interior to its evolving service standards.
The discussions trace back to visits by Aeroflot specialists to the Kazan aircraft plant in the early months of 2023. During those engagements, representatives from United Aircraft Corporation indicated that the airline did not raise objections or complaints about the current cabin layout, suggesting a collaborative starting point for the proposed changes and a mutual interest in improving onboard comfort and efficiency.
A key element of the letter from Aeroflot outlines proposed enhancements to multiple cabin systems and components. The airline is exploring upgrades to the in-flight entertainment system, as well as adjustments to passenger seating, service panels, door configurations, galley layouts, and lighting schemes. The scope encompasses recurring elements such as seating modules, service panels, galley facilities, lighting controls, and the overall entertainment framework intended to elevate the travel experience for passengers on Tu-214 aircraft.
Within the plan, Aeroflot specifies several targeted improvements. These include enlarging the luggage racks to increase stowage capacity, introducing a lowering step for easier access for passengers in the second-to-last row of business-class seating, and adding stands on tables to hold mobile devices such as phones or tablets. In essence, the airline seeks practical amenities that streamline passenger convenience and enhance in-flight usability, particularly for longer journeys where device usage and storage space matter most.
Earlier reporting indicated that Aeroflot had plans to expand its domestic fleet significantly, with projections suggesting the airline would acquire a sizable number of aircraft within the home market during the 2023–2025 horizon. This broader fleet strategy aligns with the cabin overhaul ambitions, signaling a sustained effort to refresh the carrier’s line-up and cabin experience in tandem across its network.