Tupolev TU-134B-3 - riding Alrosa's thunder from Irkutsk to Mirny

Are there any first generation jet airliners left in regular service anywhere? Maybe there are some DC-9s, Fokker 28s and others still flying in Africa, but that's about it. For many years Russia was operating the TU-134 successful, but these times seem to have passed already. There is nearly none left in regular passenger service, and most probably the remaining ones will be gone soon. Even with Alrosa Airlines, the in house airline of the famous Yakutian diamond mine company, the type is reduced to one within the active fleet.
Once the backbone the small Tushka has nearly vanished, and to be honest, she consumes a “bit” more fuel than other airliners in her size, and she coughs a “little” louder. But then, looking at this airliner one has to admit that economics are one thing, and beauty the other.
Alrosa still operates this type for flights from Mirny. The version in use is the last one manufactured, a B-3. This version is fitted with 76 classic Soviet era economy seats, which makes this airliner extremely comfortable. It is fitted with a modernized cabin, so courtains and open hat racks were replaced with overhead bins and window shades. And even light bulbs are replaced with LEDs! The TU-134 is a flying tank and it is pretty hard to damage these airliners, meaning that even the oldest ones are in perfect shape. As a first generation jet airliner, nearly everything is over designed, and in the case of the “small” Tushka with the rough Soviet conditions in mind. Therefore this airliner offers a unique feeling aboard!
As with all Alrosa flights, the level of service us unbelievable. For the flight from Irkutsk to Mirny a hot meal was served, including salads, starters and desserts. The crew was highly motivated and dedicated to what they were doing. It was a pleasure looking at how well the full TU-134 was handled. And it is always such a pleasure to share enthusiasm with people like those who work at Alrosa. The company can be really proud of it's employees!
The departure from Irkutsk was in a classic TU-134 manner, but one could feel that the airliner was operating at it's limits. The 3.500m long runway in Irkutsk seemed not all that long from inside the airliner. But it is just an awesome feeling to be board such a flying legend in the year 2015. During the flight the real size of Russia can be felt, and some of the clouds beneath were actually smoke from forest fires.
The approach and touch down in Mirny were better than one could have dreamed. This was TU-134 feeling at it's best and pure jet airliner romance! If these are the last flights possible on this airliner, it is highly recommended to join one just for fun, and besides the unforgettable impressions aboard the airliner, the classic airport building in Mirny is also an eye catcher! For sure such a trip is an unforgettable experience in the life of an aviation enthusiast, and thanks to the wonderful crew, and the great people of Alrosa and the airports deserve a big “Thank You!!!”.