Both the Tu 204 and the 757 were designed at a similar time, for a similar purpose. However, they have never directly competed on routes or for the same airlines to buy them! They are truly opposites and the same!
Whilst the airlines who bought them operated them on the same style of route, an airline never owned both types of aircraft. The 757 was truly a western aircraft, whereas the Tu 204 was a truly Russian aircraft!
Tu 204 vs 757: The basics
Before we can consider the merits of the two aircraft, ultimately using that to decide who the winner is, we must first know a bit about each aircraft.
Tu 204
Towards the end of the 1970’s, the USSR had seen many new American aircraft that had become air icons in their own right! Aircraft such as the 737 and 747, which Russian had no match to.
As such, the Tupolev Design Bureau was tasked to create a modern airliner to perform the same job as the 757. The 757 had only been released in concept in the early 1970’s.
As such, Tupolev introduced concepts for a narrow body long haul airliner. However, Tupolev were forced to give the aircraft a slightly decreased range due to a resource shortage.
After its production and delivery to Aeroflot, the Tu 204 would operate routes like Vladivostok to Bangkok and later routes like Pyongyang to Beijing.
757
Following the success of both the 747 and 727 jets, Boeing wanted to capitalize on their success. However, many airlines needed more fuel efficient aircraft due to the rising fuel prices. Boeing obliged.
In 1978, Boeing unveiled its 7N7 which would go on to become the 757. The aircraft was much more efficient than either the 747 or the 727, although didn’t compete with either aircraft!
Whilst the aircraft often operated on long-haul routes like the 727 and 747, the routes they fly are different. The 757 was designed to fly long haul, in less demand routes.
As such, the 757 flies routes like New York to Stockholm and New York/Boston to Dublin.
Tu 204 vs 757: Safety
As with any aircraft, it’s good to know how dangerous the aircraft is. Especially to see if it is one the most dangerous aircraft list.
Thankfully, neither are. However, they are both surprisingly dangerous aircraft.
Tu 204
The Tu 204 has been involved in four fatal accidents as well as three non-fatal accidents. In total, the Tu 204 has has 55 fatalities since its introduction in 1996.
Whilst this may not seem like a lot (especially when you look at the fatalities of the 757!) please remember that the 757 flies more routes, more have been produced and the Tu 204 is 13 years younger.
757
The 757 has been involved in nine fatal accidents as well as 30 non-fatal accidents. In total, the 757 has had 575 fatalities since its introduction in 1983.
However, it is also important to state that 233 of those fatalities were on 9/11. This was due to the fact that two 757s were hijacked and both had fatalities as a result.
It must also be stated that the 757 has had more flights and models produced. As such, it is very difficult to claim that the Tu 204 is a safer aircraft than the 757.
Tu 204 vs 757: Operators
Operators tend to play a major role in how good the aircraft is. The more operators there are, and the more diverse they are, is a sign that the aircraft is good. The opposite is also true.
Tu 204
All current and former operators are:
- Aeroflot (former)
- Air China Cargo
- Air Koryo
- Aviastar-TU
- Aviastar-SP
- Blue Wings (former)
- Business Aero
- Cairo Aviation
- China Cargo Airlines
- Cubana de Aviación
- Dalavia (former)
- Kavminvodyavia (former)
- Kosmos Airlines
- Kras Air (former)
- Omskavia (former)
- Red Wings Airlines (former)
- Roscosmos
- Rossiya Airlines
- RusJet
- Russair
- Russian Post
- S7 Airlines (former)
- Transaero (former)
- Vladivostok Avia (former)
- Vnukovo Airlines (former)
The Tu 204 is also used by several militaries, including the Russian Air Force!
757
All current and former operators of the 757 are:
- Aer Lingus
- Air Astana
- Avianca (former)
- Aviatstar-TU
- Azur Air
- British Airways (former)
- China Postal Airlines
- Condor
- Delta
- Donald Trump (as a converted private jet!)
- DHL
- Eastern Airlines (former)
- El Al (former)
- FedEx
- Iberia (former)
- Icelandair
- Jet2
- Monarch Airlines (former)
- Northwest Airlines (former)
- TUI
- United Airlines
- UPS
- US Airways
- Uzbekistan Airways
- XiamenAir (former)
- Zambia Airways (former)
A full list of operators can be found here.
Tu 204 vs 757: Comfort
Due to the nature of many of the airlines who operate the Tu-204, we have chosen to compare the comfort between Air Koryo and Icelandair (in economy class).
This is mostly down to the reason that many other Tu 204 operators refuse foreigners on board their aircraft. Some are also cargo airlines which makes it slightly difficult.
We also thought it would be unfair to compare Air Koryo with Delta or someone similar!
Tu 204
As you can see, Air Koryo’s Tu 204s don’t look too dissimilar to a western low cost carrier.
I have never flown on Air Koryo, let along one of their Tu 204s. As such, I’ve enlisted my friend, Andy. Andy has flown twice on Air Koryo’s Tu 204s, as well as 757s. So he will be able to give some insight!
For a 1990’s aircraft, I get the feeling that the aircraft is old! Had I not known anything about the Tu 204, I would’ve assumed that the aircraft was perhaps from the 1970’s/80’s!
I sat down, and the seats were surprisingly comfy. For now.
After around two hours of being sat down, the seat became rather uncomfortable. I had to stand up and walk around, which I disguised as going to the toilet.
If you think western airline’s toilets are bad, Air Koryo’s are worse! They’re smaller, they stink, there’s almost no soap and the water is freezing!
Definitely not recommending!
757
As you can see, the 757 is typical of many western airlines.
The seats are relatively comfy (although long haul will certainly require you to get up and move half way through!) In regards to entertainment, the Icelandair 757 is equipped with individual films and music throughout the flight!
Leg room is another question though. In basic economy class configuration, you can argue that leg room is lacking. However, according to Andy, who has flown on both, the leg room is comparable to that of Air Koryo!
The baggage stowed overhead on the 757 is locked away by the 757’s overhead bins. On the Tu 204, the same cannot be said, with it merely being open the entire flight!
Tu 204 vs 757: Opinions
I traveled to Russia to speak with the avgeek, passenger and pilot communities there. As well as using the western avgeek, passenger and pilot communities I usually use!
Avgeek
I asked two lots of avgeeek communities: the Russian and the western. Naturally with the western community, there was fierce loyalty to the 757 when I asked them who would win, Tu 204 vs 757.
Even among western Airbus fans, who usually side against Boeing, sided with the 757 this time. Interestingly, one of them pointed out that the Tu 204 resembles the A320 somewhat, which is quite interesting!
Among Russian avgeeks, there was a definite split. The more nationalistic of the Russian avgeeks siad that the Tu 204 was the superior aircraft. Meanwhile, the more 21st century avgeeks said the 757 was clearly superior!
Passengers
Among Russian passengers who had flown on both, the consensus was that the 757 was better. This was largely down to the outdatedness of the aircraft, even though they’re only 20 years old!
Among western passengers who’d flown both (of of which I only found two!) they had said that whilst the 757 had its flaws (as did the Tu 204), the Tu 204 had a more homely feel.
However, they also agreed that they would choose the 757 over the Tu 204 due to the tired feeling the aircraft gives of.
Pilot
I actually managed to find a former US Airways/Cubana de Aviación pilot. He has flown both the Tu 204 and the 757 and is type rated to do so! When I asked him “Tu 240 vs 757?” he relied:
I would prefer the 757. Although the Tu 204 has a, very ‘Russian’ feel to it, the 757 is easier on the pilot.
With the 757, I don’t have to do as much work. I simply guide it out of the hangar, to the gate, to the runway, takeoff and get get to cruising altitude. The aircraft then does the rest for me almost!
The Tu 204 isn’t like that. I feel as though I have to pilot it consistently throughout the flights. Even though the auto pilot is meant to do the rest of that for me. I certainly wouldn’t trust it !
Pedro Gonzales
(It must be said, that my pilot is Cuban, so would be more inclined to choose the communist-aligned aircraft, as you’d think!)
Summary
There is a lot more politics with these two aircraft than one may realize. You may just think that a question of “Tu 204 vs 757?” is one akin to asking “East vs west?” or “Communism vs capitalism?”
It isn’t.
It’s more like asking “Which is best, this aircraft drawn up in a few years to appease an oppressive regime, or this one that was more methodical?”
Indeed, when I asked several Russian avgeeks “Tu 204 vs 757?” They brought up this exact point! Many of them getting quite angry at this idea.
But alas, this is not a comparison of politics, but one of aircraft.
In the end, it is down to personal preference. But it is more feasible that you will find yourself on a 757 than you will a Tu 204. After all, the Tu 204 is currently being phased out of service by many airlines.
And plus, even thought the 757 is getting old, and there’s a lot of aircraft that could replace it (such as the 787 or A350!) Many airlines are doubling down on their 757 fleets, and getting every dollar out of them!
I think it’s easy to understand who the winner is here: The 757! Pilots, avgeeks and passengers all agree this- a first!
Usually, I give my personal opinion, having flown on both of them and so on. But the 757 is truly the winner here! No questions asked!
Tu 204 vs 757: Who wins? Tell me in the comments!
Featured image courtesy of 廷宇 王/Jonathan Palombo via Flickr