Cuban Airline Debuts Rehabilitated TU 204 Aircraft on Domestic Flight
In a long-awaited moment for aviation enthusiasts, the Cubana de Aviación aircraft, after undergoing extensive rehabilitation in Russia, has finally made its debut on a domestic flight. Just two months after landing back on Cuban soil, the TU 204 plane successfully completed its first journey between the country’s two main cities.
The exciting news was shared by the Cuban airline itself through their Facebook profile. “It is an honor to be able to share with you the exciting news of the reincorporation of the TU 204 aircraft into our fleet. Thank you for your trust and continued support!” they wrote. “We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to welcoming you on board our flights with the TU 204 aircraft.”
Cubana de Aviación extended an invitation to travelers, saying, “Fly with us and enjoy an exceptional trip to each destination!” Along with the announcement, the airline also published a video showcasing the premiere of the rehabilitated aircraft.
However, questions arose among social media users, particularly on Facebook, regarding the utilization of the TU 204 aircraft. Many individuals questioned whether this newly repaired plane would only be used for domestic flights. Given the substantial amount of money spent on its rehabilitation, concerns were raised about how the airline planned to recover the budget through domestic flights alone. The TU 204 had returned to Cuba with a mere 200 flight hours, essentially making it a brand new aircraft.
In the Facebook group “Cuban Aviation Lovers,” a woman who flew on the inaugural Havana-Santiago flight praised its success. Positive feedback from passengers who experienced the trip firsthand added to the excitement surrounding the revamped aircraft.
The TU-204 had been out of service for seven years, with four of those years spent in Russia for extensive maintenance work. Although it initially made its return to Cuba in September of last year, it is expected that the aircraft will not only operate national flights. As the weeks progress, the TU 204 is likely to fly to other Caribbean destinations, expanding the horizons for Cubana de Aviación and catering to a wider range of travelers.
With the successful debut of the rehabilitated TU 204 aircraft, Cubana de Aviación is optimistic about the future and continues to uphold its commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences to all passengers. The airline’s integration of this refurbished plane represents a significant milestone in Cuban aviation history and is a promising step forward for the national carrier.