Russia's Airliner Program on Brink of Failure: Industry May Beg for Permission

Russia's efforts to develop domestic passenger airliners are at risk of failing if production doesn't increase significantly, according to Stanislav Ryzhakov, a former director of Tupolev's Ulyanovsk branch. He warned that if the industry can't produce at least 5-7 aircraft per year, it may have to beg for permission from Western companies like Boeing.

Ryzhakov stated that Boeing is ready to resume deliveries right now, indicating a possible return of Western aviation giants to Russia. However, he seemed reluctant to discuss the consequences of failure, saying 'I don't want to think about what will happen.'

The Tu-214 still needs to lose at least 3 tons, and preferably 5, according to Ryzhakov. This can be achieved through improvements in manufacturing technology, as demonstrated by Tupolev's success with the Tu-204SM and Tu-204-300.