A Syrian contract for supply of Russian Tu-204 airliners could save the Tupolev aircraft brand from extinction, Russian media said on Monday.
Atlant-Soyuz, an airline controlled by the Moscow city government and the only current customer for Tu-204 jets, recently scrapped a contract to purchase 15 of the aircraft.
Syria has been holding talks with Russia on the purchase of the planes since U.S. sanctions prevent the supply of the European Airbus aircraft to the Middle Eastern country, Kommersant daily said.
The paper quoted experts as saying that if the Russian-Syrian contract is not signed soon, production of the Tu-204 would be suspended.
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the Russian holding company that designs and manufactures military, civilian, transport, and unmanned planes, refused to comment on the possible Russian-Syrian deal.
However, a source in UAC's commercial jets department unofficially confirmed that talks were being held on the supply of two Tu-204-100Âs, Kommersant said.
Tupolev passenger jets were the core of flagship air carrier Aeroflot in the Soviet era and for a number of years after. The planes have now been completely retired from Aeroflot's fleet.
Currently the main operator of Tupolev aircraft is the West Siberian-based airline, Utair. Its air fleet comprises 28 Tu-134s and 20 Tu-154s.
Most airlines have retired their Tupolev aircraft due to their high fuel consumption and lack of cabin comfort compared to more modern rival designs.
MOSCOW, September 27 (RIA Novosti)
