25/01/2025
The Tupolev Tu-134 (NATO codename “Crusty”) was a Soviet twin-engine airliner similar to the American Douglas DC-9 and the French Sud Aviation Caravelle. The original version of the aircraft had a glazed nose section and, like some other Russian airliners (including the related Tu-154 model), could be operated from unpaved airfields.
It is one of the most widely used aircraft in the former Warsaw Pact countries, the number in service being reduced due to noise restrictions.
This model has long been in service in some 42 countries, with some European airlines scheduling up to 12 takeoffs and landings per day with the aircraft. In addition to regular passenger transportation, it has also been used for various purposes in support of the Air Force, Army, and Navy; for pilot and navigator training; and for aeronautical research and test projects.
In recent years, several Tu-134s have been converted for use as VIP transport aircraft and business jets. A total of 852 Tu-134s of all modifications (including bench models) were built, of which Aeroflot was the largest user; by 1995, the Tu-134 had carried 360 million passengers for that airline.