Aircraft
Russia To Convert Tu-204 Passenger Jets into Freighters
The federation’s postal service cites a need for 10 more narrowbody cargo airplanes.
The Russian postal service says it needs another 10 Tupolev Tu-204C cargo jets. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
The Russian postal service says it needs another 10 Tupolev Tu-204C cargo jets. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

The Russian government and industry have begun formulating a program to convert grounded Tupolev Tu-204 passenger jets into freighters in an effort to prolong the type’s commercial service. Upon conversion of the surviving narrowbodies, which entered service in 1995, the Tu-204s would enter the fleet of the Russian Post’s aviation arm. The nationwide postal and mailing service operator belongs to the central government and cites “an immediate requirement” for ten more Tu-204Cs. If successful, the conversion program might entail completion of several more airframes at UAC’s Aviastar plant in Ulianovsk using stock parts at the plant.