Soviet Aircraft Legend: Tu-134 - Carried 500 Million Passengers (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)
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In the heart of Yekaterinburg, a city steeped in history, a new exhibit at the Museum Complex of Verkhnyaya Pyshma pays homage to a legendary aircraft of the past - the Tu-134 passenger liner. This Soviet-era jetliner, produced in the 1960s, was renowned for its comfort, convenience, and reliability.
The Tu-134, with its engines positioned to reduce cabin noise, was one of the quietest aircraft of the 60s. It served both domestic and international routes, carrying around 72 to 84 passengers, and became one of the most widely used Soviet airliners, primarily operated by Aeroflot.
Developed in the early 1960s and entering service with Aeroflot starting in 1967, over 800 units of the Tu-134 were produced, making it one of the most numerous Soviet airliners of its era. Production ceased in the mid-1980s.
In Russia, the Tu-134 was gradually phased out from commercial service during the 2000s and 2010s, replaced largely by newer models such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and foreign aircraft. A few remain in limited service, mostly for training, VIP transport, or special purposes. Aeroflot no longer uses the Tu-134 in commercial operations.
North Korea also operated a small number of Tu-134s, primarily for governmental or VIP transport, but detailed public information about their current operational status is scarce due to the secretive nature of the regime and limited aviation data.
The Tu-134 transported over 500 million passengers during its operational life, a testament to its enduring popularity and importance in Soviet aviation. As of recent years, its use has significantly declined in Russia, with many aircraft retired or preserved, though some may remain in limited service or for training.
For those interested in learning more about the Tu-134, the article can be found on Dzen and YouTube channels. The contact number for sending news, photos, and videos is +7 (901) 454-34-42. The article was published by RIA "Novy Day".
It's worth noting that the Tu-144 supersonic airliner, sometimes confused with the Tu-134, is a distinct type. The Tu-144 was the Soviet supersonic competitor to the Concorde, produced in very limited numbers with the last commercial flight in 1978, unlike the Tu-134, which was a conventional jetliner in widespread use.
[1] This information is synthesised from various available sources and historical records, as no direct recent search results specifically detail the Tu-134’s full history or current detailed status in Russia and North Korea.
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