ULYANOVSK. Feb 13 (Interfax-AVN) - The Aviastar-Aircraft Manufacturing company (Aviastar-SP) based in Ulyanovsk will ship fifteen TU-204-120 airliners to China, the enterprise's information center has told Interfax.
The protocol of intent was signed during talks held in China on February 5-9 and attended by Aviastar-SP, the Aviaexport arms trader, the Tupolev JS, the leasing company Sirocco (Egypt), and representatives from the Chinese main civilian aviation administration and Chinese state airlines.
China confirmed the intention to buy five TU-204-120 airliners from Aviastar-SP in 2002-2003. The protocol also envisions an option of another ten Tu-204-120 airliners equipped with British-made Rolls-Royce engines.
The Aviastar-SP information center said China plans to buy 200 new planes, including Russian-made ones, within the next several years.
Aviastar-SP produces TU-204 and AN-124-100 Ruslan aircraft. The AO Tupolev company holds a 74% stake in Aviastar-SP and the Aviastar JS the remaining 26%.