Yak-42D to Yaroslavl
by Jan Koppen
On Sunday, April 28, 2019, sixty avgeeks from all parts of the world have gathered in Moscow to sample one of Soviet Aviation History legends. Lutz Schönfeld and Ekatarina Tropova had chartered Sirius Aero Yakolev Yak-42D RA-42445 for a sightseeing flight from Vnukovo to Yaroslavl and back. We were bussed from terminal 3 to the opposite VIP-Port, which is a long way but very much appreciated by all of us.
Crystal clear image on a very dull morning.
Azimuth Airlines is a Russian joint-stock company airline based in Platov International Airport in Rostov-on-Don, the capital of Rostov Oblast. The logo symbolizes the sun, the sea, the sky and southern hospitality.
Rotation to Krasnodar. Azimuth Sukhoi Superjet 100 RA-89094 "Kuban" is seen here departing, as flight A4/302 to Krasnodar at 09:55LT sharp.
UTair is a Russian low-cost airline with its head office at Khanty-Mansiysk Airport while its hubs are at Surgut International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport. It operates scheduled domestic and some international passenger services, scheduled helicopter services, and extensive charter flights with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in support of the oil and gas industry across western Siberia.
In February 1967, the Aeroflot Tyumen Directorate was set up to meet the transport requirements of the fast-growing oil and gas industry undergoing development in western Siberia. In the wake of the break-up of the Aeroflot organization, Tyumenaviatrans Aviation (TAT) was formed in 1991 to replace the Aeroflot Tyumen Directorate. TAT adopted the name of UTair in early 2003.
In October 2010, Utair announced plans to replace its Tupolev Tu-134 fleet with the Sukhoi Superjet 100. In December, UTair officially placed an order for 24 of the jets to enter service in 2013.
In November 2014, Utair faced financial difficulties and was unable to make a bond payment. In April 2015, Utair announced a fleet reduction of over 50 aircraft due to financial difficulty. It also cancelled its order for 24 Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. A few weeks later, its regional airline subsidiary UTair Express ceased operations.
In December 2015, it was announced that Utair sold its leisure subsidiary Azur Air to Turkish tourism company Anex Tourism Group, which had bought UTair-Ukraine a few weeks earlier.
On 31 October 2017, Utair announced its rebranding and changing its name from "UTair Aviation" to "Utair".
In February 1967, the Aeroflot Tyumen Directorate was set up to meet the transport requirements of the fast-growing oil and gas industry undergoing development in western Siberia. In the wake of the break-up of the Aeroflot organization, Tyumenaviatrans Aviation (TAT) was formed in 1991 to replace the Aeroflot Tyumen Directorate. TAT adopted the name of UTair in early 2003.
In October 2010, Utair announced plans to replace its Tupolev Tu-134 fleet with the Sukhoi Superjet 100. In December, UTair officially placed an order for 24 of the jets to enter service in 2013.
In November 2014, Utair faced financial difficulties and was unable to make a bond payment. In April 2015, Utair announced a fleet reduction of over 50 aircraft due to financial difficulty. It also cancelled its order for 24 Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. A few weeks later, its regional airline subsidiary UTair Express ceased operations.
In December 2015, it was announced that Utair sold its leisure subsidiary Azur Air to Turkish tourism company Anex Tourism Group, which had bought UTair-Ukraine a few weeks earlier.
On 31 October 2017, Utair announced its rebranding and changing its name from "UTair Aviation" to "Utair".
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Boeing 737-500 VQ-BJN, an ex Continental Airlines ship, is pushed back at Vnukovo airport at the start of its long journey to Khanty-Mansiysk.
UTair Boeing 737-800 VQ-BJH, a former Ryan Air ship, is seen here, on an overcast Moscow morning, departing with a full pax load for Belgorod.
UTair Boeing 737-800 VQ-BQR prepares for departure from Vnukovo to Surgut under flight number UT295.
UTair Boeing 767-200 VP-BAL, a former Continental Airlines ship, is seen here ready to depart to yet another place in UTair's far—flung network.
Boeing 737-400 VQ-BHZ, flew from May 2002, eight years for Czech Airlines (CSA) and is seen here operating the UTair flight UT4221 to Ulyanovsk.
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Atran Boeing 737-43Q(SF) VQ-BVF. This particular aircraft first flew from Boeing’s Renton production site on May 29, 1998 and was delivered to Istanbul Airlines eight days later as TC-IAB. Atran acquired the 737 in March 2017.
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Aviastar-TU Boeing 757-223(SF) VQ-BKK had finished its day’s work after a long flight from Novosibirsk. VQ-BKK began life in July 1993 with American Airlines as N689AA. After many years of faithful service with the American carrier, she was sold to aircraft broker Airwork in 2017, who on their turn converted her to a freighter and leased the 757 to Aviastar-TU in August 2018.
Time is running out for Rusline CRJ-100 VP-BNM. She was withdrawn from use and stored at Vnukovo during my visit.
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Another very efficient turn-round for this Azerbajan Airlines Airbus A320 4K-A205.
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Today the number of active Tu-154's are dwindling rapidly. RA-85019 is seen here departing for Rostov-on-Don.
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Russian Special Flight Squadron is operating this Tu-154M RA-85019 since 2010 and is seen here taxiing out for the active runway at Vnukovo. Destination was Rostov-on-Don.
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Rus AF IL-76MD RF-76612 is seen here departing Vnukovo during our spotters trip in April 2019.
Tu-134B-3 RA-65576 is seen here near the Kosmos ramp, in an all white uniform. She started her career with Aeroflot.
Other owners were Latavio, LAT Charter and RusAir. |
Tu-134A-3 RA-65919 seems retired at Vnukovo and still wears paint scheme from its days with Yamal Airlines. Last operator was the Search and Rescue Flight Support (SPASOP). Vnukovo, April 2019.
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Lovely eighties scene at the Kosmos ramp.
(Photo taken from the bus who took us from the terminal to the VIP-Port ramp).
(Photo taken from the bus who took us from the terminal to the VIP-Port ramp).
An airplane stored outside will be subject to streaking down the paintwork from dust and dirt deposits, like what's happening with this Atlant Soyuz Tu-154M RA-85740.
Two time capsules of aviation history are seen here at Vnokovo during the last week of April 2019. Both, RA-65905 and RA-65911 wear the grab of the Special Flight Squadron.
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Special Flight Squadron, Yakovlev Yak-40 RA-87971, Tupolev Tu-124SR RA-64527 and Ilyushin IL-96-300 RA-96022, stand idle at Vnukovo's Special Flight Squadron ramp in April 2019.
It seems her military career is over! - This 2001 built Tupolev Tu-154M did operate for the Rossiya Special Flight Detachment as RA-85843 and is stored at Vnokovo.
RA-86019, chillin at the Special Flight Squadron ramp but ready to take on another assignment.
I'm afraid there's not much time left for this Mil Mi-8 RA-27018.
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Pictured in the twilight of its career, Special Flight Squadron Mil Mi-8 RA-27016, stands idle on the РОССИЯ ramp at Vnukovo in 2018, with its engine covers on.
Rusjet Tu-134B-3 RA-65747 and Kosmos Tu-154 RA-85700 are former Russian stars from yesteryear and now their carcasses being used to supply spares for the survivors.
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Russia Special Detachment Ilyushin IL-96-300 RA-86019 rolled of the Voronezh production-line ten years ago.
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Rossiya Boeing 777-300 EI-UNN. This long bodied Boeing 777, was originally built for Singapore Airlines in late 1997. After 12 years of faithful service she was sold to Transaero, where it served until the collapse of the carrier in 2015. In June 2016, she was taken over by Rossiya Russian Airlines.
Geriatric jet hulks are an increasingly familiar sight around the Russian airports.
Stored are Rusline Bombardier CRJ-200's VP-BFA and VP-BVQ. RusLine is a regional airline from Russia, which operates mostly domestic regional flights, as well as holiday charters. The company was founded in 1999 as Aerotex Airlines and was originally based at Sheremetyevo International Airport. In March 2013, it was renamed to today's RusLine, which coincided with a move to Vnukovo International Airport shortly after.
On 1 April 2010, RusLine acquired the assets and brand name of bankrupt Air Volga. This included six Bombardier CRJ200.
On 1 April 2010, RusLine acquired the assets and brand name of bankrupt Air Volga. This included six Bombardier CRJ200.
This Transaero Boeing 767-216ER VQ-CXZ, operated the last commercial flight for Transaero. The company filed for bankruptcy on October 01, 2015 and the Russian authorities revoked its operating license on October 25, 2015.
Stains caused by rain persist as seen here streaking down from the windows and doors of this sad looking Transaero Boeing 767-200.
Clipped wings Transaero Boeing 737-500, marooned in a corner of Vnukovo airport, in April 2019.
AZUR Air Boeing-767 VQ-BEN. Built in 2001 for Hawaiian Airlines as N580HA, this series -300 767 is seen here on Vnukovo’s VIP-Port apron in April 2019. She was acquired by AZUR Air that same month and made her first commercial flight for AZUR on April 30, 2019.
Azur Air , stylised as azurair, is a charter airline and former regional airline in Russia. Initially it was based out of. Nowadays it mainly serves leisure and some domestic destinations.
E-Cargo operates this anonymous, 28 years old, ex United, Boeing 757-222(PCF). Her registration is VP-BHM.
Nearly half of the passenger airplanes flying today are leased by the airlines from aircraft leasing companies. It is easier and cheaper to lease a standard white airplane and then just change its logos than repainting the entire plane.
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RA-73004 is a Boeing 737-76N This former Jet Airways (India) 737 is owned and operated by Gazpromavia.
Gazpromavia is an airline based in Moscow, Russia. It operates passenger and cargo charters, mainly in support of the oil and gas industry. It also operates regular domestic flights from Moscow and international charter passenger and cargo services. The airline was established in March 1995 and started operations on 16 April 1995. It is wholly owned by JSC Gazprom Russia. |
Rossiya Boeing 747-446 EI-XLD, which was acquired form the bankrupt inventory of Transaero, is presently is operating the majority of her flights between Moscow and the main tourist spots in Thailand. This 'Queen of the Skies', started her career with Japan Airlines as JA8914.
Global Leasing Luxembourgh Boeing 767-300 P4-MES is operating for the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Boeing 767-300 P4-MES is 'The Bandit' like her lessee, Mr. Roman Abramovich.
Downtime for RA-89048, another member of the Gazpromavia Sukhoi Superjet 100 fleet.
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Gazpromavia RA-89020 rests with a company Sukhoi Superjet 100 at the Vnukovo VIP-Port ramp.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a regional jet designed by Sukhoi, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation. With development starting in 2000, it made its maiden flight on 19 May 2008 and its first commercial flight on 21 April 2011 with Armavia. It typically seats 87 to 98 passengers and is powered by two PowerJet SaM146 turbofans developed by a joint venture between French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn. By May 2018, 127 were in. The plane has recorded three hull loss accidents and 86 deaths as of May 2019.
The number of active Boeing 757's are rapidly dwindling.
This Aviastar-TU Boeing 757-236(PCF) VQ-BPY, is still wearing the uniform of her former operator Yakutia Airlines. Other previous owners of this Boeing 757 were; Varig, Girjet, Cebu Pacific, Iberia, Air Europa and LTE.
Bombardier Challenger 604 RA-67216, is owned by AviaService and based at Vnukovo.
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2009 built M-RBUS, an Airbus A319-115CJ, is seen gleaming on Vnukovo’s apron.
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Toys of the rich and shameless. Boeing 737-7BC(BBJ) VP-BRT, is owned and operated by Longtail Aviation.
Downtime for RA-42412, another member of the Rusjet fleet. Vnukovo, April 2019.
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Yak-42’s have become less common operating, even within Russia.
'Our' chartered Yakovlev Yak-42D.
History of Yakovlev Yak-42D RA-42445. Airframe 4520424116669 was manufactured in 1991 and delivered, in early 1992, to China General Aviation with registration B-2756. After merger with China Eastern Airlines in 1998, B-2756 was stored for a couple of years. On April 06, 2002, she was sold to Concors Air Service. Painted in an all white livery she received registration YL-LBZ. Later that year, she returned to her birth-ground and became part of Aircompany Karat. Her registration became RA-42445. In February 2008 she was sold to Tulpar Air. In December 2013 Tulpar was grounded over safety issues and the Yakovlev was taken over by Grozny Avia. From December 2016 she was stored at Vnukovo. Presently she is owned by Pearl Aero and operated by Sirius Aero.
Captain Alexander Sasha Duplin looks frightened. No need, only 60+ avgeeks are boarding your aircraft.
Yak-42’s have become less common operating, even within Russia. Essentially, Yak’s very seldom venture outside Russia. A good reason to charter this twenty seven year old Yak-42D for a charter flight to Yaroslavl.
The Yak-42 suffered with slightly under-powered performance delivered by it’s Lotarev D-36 turbofan engines. A low shallow angle of ascent is often witnessed upon departure climb-out with a gentle persuasion to gather altitude the preferred option for pilots of the type.
The Yak-42D was a long range variant of the regular ‘42’ with larger fuel tanks but became the standard Yak-42 model in production. Many entered service with six abreast seating configured to accommodate 120 passengers. RA-42445 has been reduced to carry 72 with additional leg-room while achieving a range of 4,000km.
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Captain Duplin is welcoming us onboard his Yak-42D.
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Yak-42 classic flight deck of the first soviet airliner powered by high-bypass turbofan engines. Many thanks to the crew.
Front office of our Sirius Aero Yak-42D. April 28, 2019.
First Officer Chernyavskij is performing the pre-departure checks.
This 1991 model, associated with Sirius Aero is configured in VIP layout with accommodation for 54 passengers.
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Yakutia Airlines Boeing 737-86N VQ-BIZ is leased from AerCap and seen here operating flight R3/771 to Simferopol on the Cremean Peninsula.
This Boeing 737-800 rolled—off the Renton production—line in 2001 and was delivered new to Cyprus Turkish Airlines as TC-MAO.
VQ-BJO taxiing out at Vnukovo on April 28, 2019.
VQ-BVN seen here taxiing at Vnukovo prior to departing on yet another flight.
Finally.... sunshine arrived. The Antonov An-124 is a Russian Air Force ship. Take-off was at 14:53LT.
We got rewarded with bright sunshine on this lovely Sunday, April 28 and off we go on an uneventfull 44 minute flight passing the West of Moscow to Yaroslavl, situated around 400 kilometers in the North East.
Our flown altitude was 6.000 meters. In Russia and parts of Central Asia including Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), level flight above the transition altitude is accomplished at the assigned flight level with reference to and clearances given in, feet (e.g. FL330). However, altitudes below the transition level are assigned in meters.
Glasses full of vodka o/b Sirius Aero Yak-42D. The lovely cabin crew consisted of; - Miss Smiryenskaya and Korshukova.
Your author; - unfortunately, the shine of his youth has faded a bit.
A classy VIP interior includes the latest IFE with flight tracking and external camera views on a large screen as well as a stylish bar in the luxurious First Class compartment.
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Monseigneur Xavier Poirot is completely in his element.
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The historic city of Yaroslavl is situated on the banks of the Volga river.
Flight CIG/9804 is seconds away from touchdown on the active runway at Yaroslavl on April 28, 2019.
Our 'Yak' came over the runway approach lighting at Yaroslavl at exactly 15:37LT. Flight duration time was 44 minutes.
The AN-74-200 can be operated in a combined cargo and passenger configurations, making it an attractive option for customers wishing to send cargo with cargo attendants. The airplane is equipped with a back cargo ramp that allows facilitating loading procedures. Cargo transportation up to 7.500 kg is possible. With an airborne cargo handling device automatically, controlled by operator, rolling and winched equipment ensures easy cargo loading and unloading, drive in/out of vehicles process.
It looked like, if this Ministry of Energy Antonov An-74, RF-31122, was looked after by a working party.
EW-286TL is an Antonov An-74-200 which operated for Aircompany Grodno.
Shar Ink Antonov An-74-100 RA-74020. Shar Ink, (also known as Shar-Avia and Ball Inc. Ltd.), was a Russian charter cargo airline based in Moscow. The airline ceased all operations in 2019.
Former Turkmenistan IL-76TD EZ-F425 is a long time resident of Yaroslavl airport (one hour flying N/E from Moscow). She was build in March 1992 and delivered to Knight (Krasnoyarsk) as CCCP-76816. The Ilyushin was sold to Turkmenistan in February 1994. After some time being stored Ashgabat, she and her sistership EZ-F424 were ferried to Yaroslavl.
This 1993 manufactured Turkmenistan IL-76TD EZ-F424, is crying out for cosmetic attention.
UVY Aero Bomberdier CRJ-200 VQ-BOT at Yaroslavl, before departing for the city of Kazan on April 28, 2019. She is an ex United Express jet.
Arrival at Yaroslavl and we were greeted by this UAZ truck.
The Yak-42D is operated by the charter company Sirius Aero in astoundingly beautiful livery.
Lotarev D-36 turbofans of Sirius Aero Yak-42D at Yaroslavl, April 2019.
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Pearl Aero's Yak-42D has been christened with the obvious name "The Pearl".
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Sirius Aero Yak-42D RA-42445 awaiting her pax for the Yaroslavl - Vnukovo flight. April 2019.
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The very occasional visit to European locations by these and any other Soviet design aircraft is an occurrence to savor.
The Lotarev turbofan was one of the first true turbofans to be developed in the Soviet Union.
Yaroslavl (Tunoshna) International is an airport in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, located 18 km southeast of Yaroslavl. It is served by medium-sized airliners.
During the Cold War Tunoshna was a key interceptor aircraft base. It was home to 415 IAP (415th Interceptor Aviation Regiment). The base initially operated the Sukhoi Su-9 (Fishpot) in the 1960s. The regiment replaced it in 1979 with the MiG-23P (Flogger-G). This aircraft served at Tunoshna during the 1980s and 1990s. The 415 IAP was decommissioned in 1992 and the MiG-23s were sent to Rzhev.
On September 7, 2011, the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash occurred which killed nearly the entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl KHL hockey team. A Yak-Service Yak-42, carrying the team to a game in Minsk, Belarus crashed on take-off from Tunoshna, killing 44 of the 45 occupants. The plane crashed and broke up approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the end of the runway, at the Volga River. The cause was determined to be pilot error, when one of the two pilots incorrectly applied braking during takeoff, attributed to a lack of training in the aircraft.
During the Cold War Tunoshna was a key interceptor aircraft base. It was home to 415 IAP (415th Interceptor Aviation Regiment). The base initially operated the Sukhoi Su-9 (Fishpot) in the 1960s. The regiment replaced it in 1979 with the MiG-23P (Flogger-G). This aircraft served at Tunoshna during the 1980s and 1990s. The 415 IAP was decommissioned in 1992 and the MiG-23s were sent to Rzhev.
On September 7, 2011, the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash occurred which killed nearly the entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl KHL hockey team. A Yak-Service Yak-42, carrying the team to a game in Minsk, Belarus crashed on take-off from Tunoshna, killing 44 of the 45 occupants. The plane crashed and broke up approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the end of the runway, at the Volga River. The cause was determined to be pilot error, when one of the two pilots incorrectly applied braking during takeoff, attributed to a lack of training in the aircraft.
Komiaviatrans Mil Mi-8T RA-24626. Komiavaiatrans (Russian: Комиавиатранс) is a regional airline from Russia, which operates mostly domestic regional flights from Komi Republic. Its headquarter located in Syktyvkar.
The entrance to the town of Yaroslavl in northern Russia is guarded by this great looking Mig-17.
Yaroslavl is a city and the administrative center of Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, located 250 kilometers northeast of Moscow. The historic part of the city, a World Heritage Site, is located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl Rivers. It is one of the Golden Ring cities, a group of historic cities northeast of Moscow that have played an important role in Russian history. The city had a population of approx. 600,000.
“Vashe zdoróvje“. Monseigneur Xavier Poirot is having a good time.
A nice line-up of Russian hardware!
Sirius Aero Yak-42D preparing for boarding at Yaroslavl Airport. Transporting 60+ avgeeks to Vnukovo in the late afternoon of April 28, 2019.
As long as your hair's nice!
Rocketing down to Vnukovo in merely 57 minutes, bringing back memories from our more glorious aviation past back in the 70s and 80s.
The return flight proved to be even more eventful including a full left turn over the Southern suburbs of the megapolis city of Moscow into runway 24.
Ilyushin IL-96-300 RA-96014 is seen on one of Vnukovo's taxiways after landing on runway 24.
An integral airstair, APU and double main undercarriage are all incorporated into the Yak-42 design for austere airfield operations.
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I-Fly Airbus A319 EI-GFO at Vnukovo on April 28, 2019. I-Fly is a Russian charter airline based in Moscow operating mainly out of Vnukovo International Airport. It flies all services on behalf of Russian tour operator TEZ Tour.
Boeing 737-524 VP-BXY is seen here at Vnukovo, awaiting its passengers, before her flight to Grozny, Chechnya.
VP-BXY is a former Continental Airlines aircraft.
The Ural-4320 is a general purpose off-road 6x6 vehicle, produced at the Ural Automotive Plant in Miass, Russia for use in the Russian army. Introduced in 1976, it is still in production today. The wheel arrangement for the Ural-4320 was designed for transporting cargo, people and trailers on all types of roads and terrain. It also serves as a fire truck as seen here at Vnukovo.
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VQ-BJT is another former Continental Airlines Boeing 737-500, in service with UT air and seen here departing for Syktyvkar.
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Uzbekistan Airlines Airbus A320 ready to depart her gate at Vnukovo, with another load of passengers. Tashkent, Uzbekistan is her port-of-call.
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Pobeda Boeing 737-8AL VP-BPS was only two years old in 2019.
Pobeda Boeing 737-8AL VQ-BPS is seen here approached by aircraft handlers at Vnukovo, on April 28, 2019.
This Pobeda flight attendent is awaiting her passengers for their flight to Samara.
Pobeda Boeing 737-8FZ VQ-BTS, is seen here ready to depart to Ulyanosvsk as flight DP1051.
Pobeda Boeing 737-8LJ VQ-BWI is seen here after disgorging her passengers from Makhachkala.
Another 737 from the Pobeda fleet, at gate 18 of Vnukovo's terminal 3 is being cleaned, catered and loaded for her upcoming flight to Chelyabinsk.
Azur Air Boeing 767-300 VP-BXW is operating for Anex tour.
In October 2015, it has been announced that tour operator Anex Tours would acquire UTair-Ukraine from UTair Aviation with the aim to rebrand it to Azur Air Ukraine as a leisure charter carrier. UTair Ukraine already shifted its focus from domestic services to leisure operations earlier and therefore phased out several planes. The sale and rebranding was confirmed shortly after. A few weeks later, Anex also bought the Russian Azur Air which the "new" Ukrainian Azur Air is now a sister company of.
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