Published: 8/21/1998

On 24 July, Vadim Kucherov, general director of Chkalov's Aircraft Production Association of Tashkent (TAPO) handed over a symbolic key to the Il-114P, registration UK91001, to Arslan Ruzmetov, general director of Uzbeki national carrier Uzbekiston Khavo Yullari (Uzbekistan Airways). It was the first delivery of the aircraft in operational service with an airline. According to Ruzmetov, the aircraft will begin passenger flights in the first half of August. The Uzbeki flag-carrier flew this particular aircraft for several months two years ago, during operational trials of the type. It was then returned to the manufacturer, which made some changes to the airframe and equipment to bring the aircraft to standards of the aircraft certified to NLGS-3 airworthiness requirements in April 1997. The most important changes were the installation of Klimov TV7-117S engines, with a much higher TBO of 1500 hours, and lifetime until withdrawal of 3000 hours, and modified navigation suite, the TsPNK-114 (new colour palette and indication modes for the five displays in the cockpit). Ruzmetov said that although the Il-114 is able to find its niche on the market, its current list-price, $13m, is "much too much" for the current production model. He supported the plan offered by TAPO, aimed at reducing the price down to $10m for the initial batch of series-built airframes and then down to $8-9m, when the production gets in full gear. Also, Ruzmetov pointed at the necessity to improve seats, toilets, baggage racks "and other minor things that contribute greatly ro passenger comfort". This year Uzbekiston Khavo Yullari should receive several more Il-114Ps and two Il-114T freighters. (AL898.4) (VK)

Article ID: 252