United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), S7 Group, and the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) signed a tripartite memorandum of cooperation at NAIS 2026, outlining the intent to deliver up to 100 Tu-214 medium-range aircraft to the carrier.
The memorandum represents the culmination of years of program development and marks the transition to formalized agreements. S7 publicly entered discussions on the Tu-214 program in 2023, appearing alongside Russia’s largest carriers as a potential operator. At that stage, the airline’s interest was recorded without specifying order parameters, delivery timelines, aircraft configuration, or an economic operating model.
In 2024, discussions moved to detailed planning. S7 and UAC aligned on the aircraft’s technical layout for the airline’s operational model, updated operational documentation, approved passenger cabin configurations, and integrated the project with a potential leasing scheme through GTLK. From this point, S7 effectively became part of the Tu-214 production revival program, though firm contracts had not yet been finalized.
The memorandum signed on February 4, 2026, formalizes these arrangements. It confirms the parties’ intent to manufacture and deliver aircraft with enhanced operational capabilities tailored to S7’s usage model. Final agreements on delivery schedules, volumes, and other commercial terms are expected by the end of 2026. Serial deliveries are projected to commence after 2029.
Technical development established a baseline configuration for S7, including a passenger cabin with up to 213 seats. GTLK acts as the financial partner and customer. S7 Technics is designated as the authorized maintenance partner, while S7 Training will manage full-cycle crew and ground personnel training.
The Tu-214 is a medium-range passenger aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 110 metric tons, designed for operation from airfields with varying infrastructure levels. It is powered by PS-90A turbofan engines and certified under Russian airworthiness regulations. The program includes adaptations of onboard systems and cabin equipment to meet commercial operator requirements.
By the end of 2025, 17 key onboard avionics systems were domestically sourced, including the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). The modified aircraft configuration received Chief Design Change approval, clearing the way for full-scale serial production at the Kazan Aviation Plant.
The Kazan production facility has been upgraded, with a new mechanical processing center, fuselage assembly unit, ongoing technical re-equipment, and the construction of three logistics centers for metal and components. In 2026, eight aircraft are planned for production, 12 in 2027, and up to 20 units annually after 2028–2029.
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