Saratov continues to produce the Yak-42 for new customers and Yak becomes involved in upgrades of older aircraft

Published: 10/25/1999

The Saratov Aircraft Plant (SAZ) is continuing to produce Yak-42D trijet in various modifications. Gazprom is said to be a major customer, having already purchased eight aircraft, according to Alexey Rakhimbaev, General Designer of the Yakovlev Design Bureau,and is currently negotiating additional purchases of Yak-42Ds. A refurbished Yak-42D-90 aircraft should also be certified by mid 2000 and according to Yak; JSC Bykovo is currently making preparations for a refurbished version the Yak-42D-90. The Yakovlev Design Bureau has already provided all the necessary design documentation. East Line and Bylina Airlines are named as potential operators of the new plane. The standard version of Yak-42D will cost $12.5m, with a VIP version at $18.5m. An upgraded Yak-42D aircraft called the Yak-42A is also in production at SAZ and will be certified in late 1999. The Yak-42A will cost 5% more than its predecessor from SAZ and offers improvements such as drop down oxygen masks, better seating and enclosed luggage racks, as well as acoustic lining for the comfort of its 120 passengers. The Saratov aircraft plant has produced 181 Yak-42s of which a reputed 148 were considered to operable earlier this year.

Article ID: 1000