First real customer may emerge

Published: 3/21/2000

Khabarovsk Airlines is reported to be in negotiations with KAPO over the delivery, this year, of two passenger Tu-214s. According to a KAPO representative, a financing scheme supported by the Tatarstan government and the Khabarovsk regional administration has been agreed to enable the production and delivery of the aircraft. Last November, it was proposed that the Tatarstan government would fund the interest payments for a $20m loan from state owned Tatarstan Sberbank. It now looks as though this has been finalized. According to KAPO, the Tatarstan Republic provided Rb 25m for the last stage of the certification tests alone. Seven Tu-214s are reported to be at varying stages of completion at KAPO, with four available for sale and parts are now being produced for a further 11. Earlier reports referred to Sibir's interest in acquiring 20 Tu-214s, which may account for these numbers, but there has been no confirmation that a complex leasing agreement, devised by Avialeasing, has come to fruition. Aeroflot has also emerged as a potential customer. According to earlier reports certification for the aircraft was expected in March 2000, following the successful completion of trials; recent reports however, suggest that the process will not be complete until September 2000. It may on the brink of realization, but only real orders will be the final proof.

Article ID: 1709