IATA YK4ICAO YK40

Yakovlev Yak-40

Yakovlev

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Soviet short-haul trijet serving regional routes since 1968.

First flight

1966

Category

Regional jet

Seating

24–32 passengers

Range

1,800 km

Engines

Three Ivchenko AI-25 turbofans, rear-mounted

Status

Limited service

The Yakovlev Yak-40 is a Soviet-designed short-haul regional jet developed by the Yakovlev design bureau in the 1960s. It was intended to replace piston-engined aircraft on short domestic routes within the Soviet Union, capable of operating from unprepared or grass airstrips in remote regions. Its three rear-mounted turbofan engines and robust airframe made it well suited to the demanding conditions of Soviet regional aviation. The aircraft entered service with Aeroflot in 1968 and was produced in large numbers, with over 1,000 examples built before production ended in 1981. It was exported to several Eastern Bloc countries as well as nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its ability to operate without ground support equipment made it especially valuable in developing regions. Although largely retired from major airline service, small numbers of Yak-40s continue to operate in cargo, charter, and government roles in Russia and a handful of other countries. Its legacy lies in demonstrating that a jet aircraft could economically serve thin, remote regional routes.

Notable operators

Aeroflot was the dominant operator; the type was also flown by CSA Czechoslovak Airlines, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, and various African and Asian carriers.

Notable facts

›Over 1,000 aircraft were built between 1966 and 1981, making it one of the most produced jet airliners of its era.
›Designed to operate from unpaved, grass, or gravel airstrips without ground support equipment.
›It was the first Soviet jet aircraft to receive a Western type certificate, certified in Italy.
›The rear trijet configuration was chosen to keep the wing clean and allow low-speed performance suitable for short strips.
›Exported to more than 20 countries outside the Soviet Union.