The Special Flight Detachment (SFD) of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as SFD “Russia”, is tasked with transporting high-ranking state officials. In a surprising development, there are reports that decommissioned Tu-214 passenger jets could be offered to civilian airlines. The assertion comes from a major Russian business daily, with statements cited from multiple sources. (Source: Kommersant)
According to the publication, there may be at least two Tu-214 aircraft that are over 20 years old and require extensive restoration. Independent estimates put the restoration cost for both machines at roughly 3 to 4 billion rubles. These figures, while unconfirmed by official channels, highlight the substantial investment that would be necessary to bring the aircraft back into passenger service. (Source: Kommersant)
Red Wings Airlines is named as a potential buyer for the Tu-214s, based on the newspaper’s sources. Other carriers are reportedly weighing interest, provided there is a credible guarantee to extend the planes’ service life beyond the current 20-year limit. In this context, a buyer would seek assurances that the aging Tu-214s could remain airworthy and financially viable over an extended period. (Source: Kommersant)
Earlier reports noted that the Russian government might allocate a significant sum from the National Welfare Fund to support the aviation sector. Specifically, discussions were mentioned about more than 650 billion rubles being directed toward industry development, underscoring strategic state support for domestic aviation capabilities. (Source: Kommersant)
Additionally, there has been reference in parliamentary discussions to a broader aim: a future where Russia’s aviation fleet includes predominantly domestic aircraft. While such statements reflect policy intent, the concrete steps and timelines remain a subject of debate among lawmakers and industry stakeholders. (Source: Kommersant)
There have also been reports about a rise in flight activity involving Russian aircraft, with mentions of increased frequency in certain routes and operational environments. Such developments are typically observed alongside efforts to modernize the fleet and optimize national air transportation capabilities, though specifics vary by period and source. (Source: Kommersant)