The world's first supersonic passenger jet airliner was successfully transported to KNRTU-KAI campus on Chetayeva Street.
Video: Vladislav Kushnerov, Kinokrut company.
The aircraft with the tail number 77107 was moved from KNRTU-KAI Academic building No. 6, where it stood for 31 years, to a specially constructed pedestal between Academic buildings No. 2 and No. 8 on Chetaeva Street.
A unique operation, very difficult in technical sense, required a clear and coordinated work of many services and took six hours. The plane was transported via Dementyeva and Mikhaila Milya streets, Fatykh Amirkhan Avenue, Marshala Chuikova Street, near Kazan Arena stadium and KAI-Olymp Sports and Leisure Complex. Tu-144 arrived at its destination around 7 a.m., April 15. The event was attended by reporters from Tatarstan’s and federal media.
Prof. Albert Gilmutdinov, KNRTU-KAI rector, was present during the transportation of the aircraft. He noted that moving the plane is only a part of the huge project which is being realized. The second stage should be the creation of an interactive museum for children within the aircraft. This renovation is scheduled for 2018.
"We are sure that when this plane will stand beautifully between our buildings, " he said, "it will be the pearl of the capital of Tatarstan. Believe me, people will come to Kazan to see the ancient Kremlin and the Tu-144"
On May 11, the day of KNRTU-KAI's 85th anniversary, the aircraft will stand in the university campus.
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