About Aviastar-TU
Aviastar-TU is a Russian cargo and charter airline operating under IATA code 4B and ICAO code TUP, with its registered office at Leningradsky Prospekt, Moscow, and operational base at Ramenskoye Airport (Zhukovsky) in Moscow Oblast. Established in March 2000, the airline specialises in the transportation of freight, mail, and specialised cargo, including live animals and dangerous goods. Aviastar-TU is closely linked to Aviastar-SP, the Ulyanovsk-based aircraft manufacturing facility that produces Tupolev Tu-204 series aircraft, and is ultimately owned by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia's state-controlled aerospace conglomerate.
Since its founding, Aviastar-TU has built a reputation as a reliable cargo operator with partnerships spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airline's fleet consists primarily of Tupolev Tu-204C freighters — the cargo variant of the Tu-204 assembled at the Ulyanovsk plant — alongside Boeing 757-200F freighters for long-haul routes. With approximately 491 employees, the airline provides scheduled and charter cargo services for global logistics leaders including DHL Express, Russian Post, Cainiao (Alibaba Group), and CDEK.
Airline Overview and History
Aviastar-TU has a rich operational history spanning more than two decades of cargo aviation. Below is a timeline of key milestones:
- March 2000 — Company established in Moscow; first international cargo flight operated using a Tu-204C (registration RA-64021) assembled at the Ulyanovsk aircraft factory
- 2000–2003 — Secured contracts with TNT Express for scheduled cargo routes connecting Belgium, Iceland, and England
- 2003–2008 — Began operating the Moscow–Brussels route five times weekly under contract with DHL Express
- 2006 — Launched joint Middle East cargo operations in partnership with LIWA Air
- 2008 — Transitioned DHL service to the Moscow–Leipzig route, operating six times weekly
- 2010 — Experienced a serious incident (Flight 1906) near Moscow Domodedovo; crew survived, but the airline's passenger certificate was subsequently suspended
- December 2010 — United Aircraft Corporation acquired parent company Aviastar-SP
- 2013 — Initiated a long-term partnership with Russian Post for domestic mail and e-commerce distribution
- 2016 — Deployed two additional Tu-204-100C freighters for expanded Russian Post operations
- 2017 — Entered a handling agreement with Hactl for Hong Kong cargo operations
- 2018 — Established partnership with Cainiao (Alibaba subsidiary); commenced Hangzhou–Riga cargo flights and expanded fleet with Boeing 757-200F aircraft
- 2019 — Signed long-term Cainiao agreement for Hangzhou–Moscow freight operations, including Tu-204 leasing arrangements
- 2022 — Entered long-term agreement with CDEK, Russia's largest private logistics operator
The airline's primary hub is Moscow Domodedovo Airport, with additional operations based at Vnukovo Airport and the Ulyanovsk facility. Under the leadership of General Director Dmitriy Viktorovich Kovalenko, who has guided the company since June 2005, Aviastar-TU has grown from a single-aircraft startup into one of Russia's established cargo carriers.
Fleet and Aircraft
Aviastar-TU operates a mixed fleet of Russian-built and Western freighter aircraft designed for medium- to long-range cargo operations. The current fleet composition includes:
- Tupolev Tu-204C — Three active freighters with a payload capacity of approximately 28,500 kg and a range of around 3,000 km; the cargo variant of the Tu-204 assembled at the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk
- Boeing 757-200F — Five active freighters with a payload capacity of approximately 35,078 kg and a range of around 4,000 km; used on longer-haul routes to Europe and Asia
Historically, the airline has operated up to 12 Tupolev Tu-204 variants, two Tupolev Tu-214 aircraft, and an Antonov An-124 heavy-lift freighter. The airline's maintenance is supported by Aviastar-SP's manufacturing and engineering capabilities in Ulyanovsk, ensuring that the domestically built Tu-204C fleet benefits from factory-level technical support. All aircraft undergo regular safety inspections and maintenance checks in accordance with Russian aviation authority regulations.
Top Flight Routes
Aviastar-TU is a dedicated cargo airline that does not operate scheduled passenger services. However, the airline's freight network connects major logistics hubs across Russia, Europe, and Asia. Key cargo routes include:
- Moscow–Leipzig (Germany) — Operated six times weekly since 2008 under a long-term contract with DHL Express; one of the airline's core scheduled routes
- Hangzhou–Moscow (China–Russia) — Regular freight operations for Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, transporting cross-border e-commerce shipments
- Domestic Russian routes — Mail and e-commerce distribution for Russian Post across key Russian cities
- Charter operations — Ad-hoc cargo flights to destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond, serving clients such as Chapman Freeborn
While Aviastar-TU flights are not available for direct passenger booking, Malaysian travellers looking for flights to destinations within Aviastar-TU's cargo network can explore the following popular routes on Traveloka:
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Aviastar-TU operates exclusively as a cargo airline. As such, there are no standard passenger baggage allowance policies comparable to commercial passenger airlines. The airline's operations focus on freight, mail, and specialised cargo transportation rather than individual passenger luggage.
For Malaysian travellers booking flights through Traveloka with other airlines, typical baggage guidelines include:
Cabin Baggage (General Guidelines)
- Weight limit: 7 kg per passenger (varies by airline)
- Maximum dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm or total linear dimensions of 115 cm
- Personal item: One additional small item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack
Checked Baggage (General Guidelines)
- Free allowance: Typically 15–30 kg depending on the airline and fare class
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg — luggage exceeding this must be split into separate pieces
- Excess baggage: Fees vary by airline and route; pre-purchase through Traveloka for lower rates
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Flammable materials, explosives, and corrosive substances are prohibited in all baggage
- Sharp objects must be placed in checked baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are not permitted in checked baggage
Check-in Guide
As Aviastar-TU is a cargo-only airline, there is no passenger check-in process. However, for Malaysian travellers flying with other airlines booked through Traveloka, here is a general check-in guide:
Airport Counter Check-in
- Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure
- International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure
At the airport counter, present your booking confirmation or e-ticket along with a valid photo ID (IC or passport). The check-in agent will issue your boarding pass and tag your checked baggage.
Online Check-in
Many airlines offer online check-in through their official websites or apps, typically opening 24 to 48 hours before departure. After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage can proceed directly to the baggage drop counter, while those with cabin baggage only can head straight to security screening.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Aviastar-TU does not operate passenger cabin services as it is a dedicated cargo airline. The airline's aircraft are configured exclusively for freight transportation, with cargo hold configurations optimised for palletised goods, mail containers, and specialised cargo.
For Malaysian travellers seeking comfortable in-flight experiences on other airlines available through Traveloka, here is what to expect across common cabin classes:
Economy Class
- Standard seating with a pitch typically ranging from 28 to 32 inches
- Complimentary or buy-on-board meal service depending on the airline
- Personal entertainment screens on longer routes or bring-your-own-device streaming
Business Class
- Wider seats with greater recline or lie-flat capability on long-haul flights
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
- Premium meal service with a curated menu
- Lounge access at major airports
Compare cabin class options across multiple airlines on Traveloka to find the best combination of comfort and value for your journey.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Since Aviastar-TU is a cargo-only carrier, passenger policies and special services do not apply directly to this airline. However, for travellers booking flights through Traveloka with other airlines, the following general policies are useful to know:
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Require their own seat and ticket; must be accompanied by at least one adult
- Infants (under 2 years): May sit on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare
- Required documents: Birth certificate or passport for all child and infant passengers
Pregnant Passengers
- Most airlines allow travel without restriction up to 28–36 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the carrier
- A medical fitness-to-fly certificate is typically required for later stages of pregnancy
- Always check the specific airline's policy before booking
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance is available at most airports
- Passengers with medical conditions or mobility limitations should contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure
- Service animals may be permitted in the cabin on select airlines subject to advance notification
Unaccompanied Minors
- Many airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for children aged 5–12 years
- Dedicated airline staff supervise the child from departure gate to arrival
- Parents or guardians must complete required documentation and ensure a responsible adult meets the child at the destination
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
As Aviastar-TU does not sell passenger tickets, standard airline reschedule, cancellation, and refund policies do not apply to this carrier. For travellers who have booked flights with other airlines through Traveloka, the following general process applies:
Rescheduling Flights
- Open the Traveloka app or website and navigate to My Booking
- Select the booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and pick a new flight
- Pay any applicable fare difference or rescheduling fee
Flexible fare types generally allow rescheduling with lower or waived fees, while promotional fares may carry stricter conditions.
Cancellations and Refunds
- Fully refundable fares: Cancel and receive a full refund to the original payment method
- Partially refundable fares: A cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount
- Non-refundable promotional fares: May be converted into travel credit for future bookings
Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used. For assistance, contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support team.
Why Book Aviastar-TU Flights on Traveloka
While Aviastar-TU primarily operates as a cargo airline, Traveloka serves as a comprehensive travel platform where you can explore and book flights across hundreds of airlines. Here are the benefits of booking through Traveloka:
- Comprehensive search — Compare flights from multiple airlines on a single platform to find the best route and price
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals, promotional fares, and flash sales
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available for booking changes, refunds, and travel queries
- Loyalty rewards — Earn points, enjoy cashback, and unlock member-exclusive deals
- All-in-one platform — Book flights, hotels, airport transfers, and activities in one place for seamless trip planning
Aviastar-TU Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Traveloka regularly offers promotions and exclusive deals to help travellers save on flights. While Aviastar-TU is primarily a cargo carrier, you can find attractive offers on connecting flights and alternative routes through Traveloka. Here are tips to maximise your savings:
- Book early — Flight prices tend to increase closer to the departure date, so booking in advance secures better fares
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different days and find the cheapest options
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally offer lower fares than weekends and Mondays
- Set Price Alerts — Get notified instantly when fares drop on your preferred route
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page for flash sales, promo codes, and seasonal offers
- Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid school holidays, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and other major public holidays for lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional combo savings
- Choose basic fares — Select a fare without add-ons if you are travelling light to reduce your total cost
How to Book Aviastar-TU Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these steps to search for and book flights on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city and destination, select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your route
- Sort results by price, departure time, or duration and select your preferred flight
- Enter passenger details including full name (as on IC or passport), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance
- Review your booking summary including the total fare, taxes, and add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit/debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan — and complete the transaction
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app — save or print it for reference at the airport
You can also check real-time flight updates and departure information via the Flight Status page on Traveloka.