I was impressed by this medium range triget airliner on two aspects.
First, it is capable of departing and arriving on unpaved and gravel airfield and it can even operate in the extreme Arctic conditions of Russia's northern territories where airports can be very basic.
Secondly, the unit price is around 45 million USD and it is equivalent to the mid size business jet.
For example, Gulfstream GIV costs around 36 million USD and if it comes with SPZ 8400 Avionics Package option, total price goes up to 53 million USD.
On 10 April 2010, TU 154M Lux, the most highly upgraded version, carrying the Polish president and his wife crashed whilst making the fourth attempt to land in fog at Smolensk-North air base in Russia. He was on the way to visit the Katyn massacre ceremony.
