Tupolev Tu-154B-2 Aeroflot
Registration: СССР-85412 Type: Tu-154B-2 Engines: 3 × NK-8-2 Serial Number: 0412 First flight: Apr 1980
During the era of the USSR, Aeroflot—Soviet Airlines reigned supreme as the sole airline in the nation, and it held the title of the largest aviation company in the world. Predominantly, its extensive network of routes spanned the vast Soviet territory, while its international operations, which bridged all five continents, were steadily expanding.
In the mid-1970s, the Soviet Union embarked on the ambitious endeavor of preparing to host the XXII Olympic Games in Moscow, slated for August 1980. Two years prior to the commencement of the Games, Aeroflot was designated as the official carrier of the event. The airline commenced operating charter flights to numerous countries worldwide, with the frequency of these flights surging as the Games approached. Aircraft assigned to international routes were emblazoned with stickers featuring the Olympic Games-80 emblem and the proclamation "Official Olympic Carrier." Approximately one hundred aircraft, including the IL-62, Tu-154, and Tu-134, proudly bore the Olympic symbols.
During this period, Aeroflot was vigorously augmenting its fleet with new aircraft, among which was the Tu-154, registered as USSR-85412. This particular aircraft, which would later be depicted on the poster, was constructed in April 1980 at the Samara Production Association of the 6th Main Directorate of the MAP of the USSR. After a distinguished service life, this aircraft ceased operations in 2007 in Kazan following the expiration of its airworthiness certificate. By that time, it had become part of the fleet of Tatarstan Airlines.
Poster for Aviators aviaposter.com
