RuAviation

The Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation Museum is currently restoring its Tupolev Tu-144, the world’s first supersonic passenger jet. The project coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Ulyanovsk Institute of Civil Aviation (UIGA), named after B.P. Bugaev, which operates the museum.

Restoration teams are refurbishing the aircraft’s exterior paintwork, passenger cabin, and flight deck. Upgrades include new seating and replacement of flooring materials. The museum’s collection features over 4,000 artifacts and approximately 40 domestically produced aircraft, with the Tu-144—a supersonic airliner that first flew on December 31, 1968—serving as a centerpiece.

The restoration encompasses both the aircraft’s exterior and interior. Technicians are cleaning, priming, and repainting the fuselage, wings, and empennage, while also updating interior fittings and finishes. All work is performed with strict adherence to historical authenticity. The project is supported by federal funding and technical assistance from Gazpromneft-Aero, a major aviation fuel supplier.

Aviation museums and their collections serve as vital links between generations, offering opportunities for in-depth study of aviation history, technology, and professions. Through exhibitions, interactive programs, and close collaboration with specialized educational institutions, these museums inspire young people to pursue careers in aviation.

The Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation Museum maintains a strong partnership with UIGA, providing students and professionals with hands-on access to aircraft for the study of Russian aviation history and engineering. The museum’s exhibits play a key role in the professional development of future pilots and aerospace engineers.

The Tu-144 on display is one of only seven surviving examples worldwide. This aircraft once operated passenger flights between Moscow and Almaty and was showcased at international airshows. The museum also preserves iconic aircraft such as the ANT-4, Tu-104, Il-18, and MiG-25.

Modernizing the museum’s aircraft helps preserve historical memory and sparks interest in aviation careers among students and schoolchildren. The museum serves as a repository and educational platform for the technical and historical heritage of Russian civil aviation. Plans for further restoration and infrastructure development are underway for the coming years.