Address: Talagi Airport St., 8, Arkhangelsk, Russia
Attraction Location
Monument to Plane YAK-18T Videos
Yakovlev YAK-40K - the classic trijet of Vologda Air Enterprise in 4K
Trijets are a rare stuff and not a lot are left in actual passenger service. In any case, to most of us a Trijet feels more like a DC-10 or B727 in size. The YAK-40 is the smallest Trijet ever to be built for commercial service. And it is getting rarer by the minute. With it's cruise speed of about 550km/h it is only marginally faster than the very versatile AN-24. It's three turbojets burn about the same amount of fuel as the CRJ-100. So the timeframe for these unique airliners is limited.
In Russia, Vologda Air Enterprise operates only YAK-40s, therefore the plane is guaranteed when booked. Currently two passenger planes are left in the fleet, as well as several VIP configured ones. At the moment the airline links it's home airport Vologda with Moscow Vnukovo. The airline currently also operates several flights a week from Vnukovo to Stary Oskol. And maybe the flights to Saint Petersburg will resume next summer.
The tickets cost about 6000RUB one way and are therefore a very affordable chance of flying such a rare airliner. Vologda airport itself is like a museum of the Soviet Union. It is in great condition and looks like 35 years ago, with lot's of Soviet flair and still some traces of the great Soviet Aeroflot - especially advertising the new IL-86 airliner.
The IL-18 monument in front of the terminal is also an eye catcher.
Oh, some of the YAK-40s are K modifications, that feature a cargo door and are very much like a quick change in the West.
The service aboard includes a drink as well as Vslyot candy (which is pure Russian aviation culture). While other airlines bother around about taking pictures, this airline's staff is really friendly and also a bit proud of their Soviet flying metal.
Vologda Air Enterprise is pure Russian flying on old Soviet YAK-40 airliners. It's a travel back 40 years and would most likely be the best flying experience for someone that only knows modern western stuff. If one has the chance, take it and get into a chat with those flying the little trijet, there are a lot of really interesting stories to be told!