DUSHANBE, August 26, 2009, Asia-Plus — In an open letter released last week, pilots from the branch of Tajik national air carrier, Tajik Air, in Khujand ask to rehabilitate the remaining three Soviet-era Tu-134s, “because over the years of exploitation, these aircraft have proved themselves to be safe and economically attractive planes.”
“The planes Tu-134 A-3 were produced in 1979-1980 and they may be exploited 45 calendar years till 2025,” said the letter, “Operation of these planes was unfoundedly suspended approximately a year ago when an older Boeing 737-200 was leased. The leasing fee for this Boeing is US$1,500 per hour or US$450,000 per month.”
In the meantime, Ms. Nazira Davlatova, the chairperson of the translation and media department within Tajik Air, said that all arguments about economic efficiency of Tu-134s adduced by the pilot were unfounded.
“Tajik Air’s three Tu-134s have already outlived their service life,” said Davlatova, “Within the framework of the project for modernization of its flying stock, Tajik Air has begun leasing Western type aircraft since 2007. Operation of the Western type aircraft has proved their economic efficiency that allows our country conducting flexible tariff policy.”
The Tupolev Tu-134 (NATO codename: ‘Crusty’) is a Soviet twin-engine airliner, similar to the American Douglas DC-9. One of the most important and widely used aircraft in the former Warsaw Pact countries, the number in active service is decreasing because of noise restrictions.
The model has seen long-term service with some 42 countries, with some European airlines having made very intense use of the 134 (as many as 12 takeoffs & landings per plane daily). In addition to regular passenger service, it has also been used in various air force, army and navy support roles; for pilot and navigator training; and for aviation research and test projects. In recent years, a number of planes have been converted for use as VIP transportation.
A total of 852 Tu-134s were built (of all versions, including research/test bed examples) in 1988-1984 with Aeroflot as the largest user: by 1995, the Tu-134 had carried 360 million passengers for that airline.
