Russian flagship carrier Aeroflot said it had reached a cooperation agreement with the Kazan aircraft plant (KAPO) and plane designer Tupolev on the Tupolev Tu-214 passenger jet.

Aeroflot said in a statement that its chief, Valery Okulov, and the heads of the two other companies had signed the deal that will bring the three together to coordinate the production and exploitation of the new plane.

Under the agreement, Aeroflot will help secure orders for the aircraft, which has been designed to replace the aging Tu-154 and Ilyushin Il-62 aircraft. The Tu-214 is a long-range aircraft that can carry 210 passengers or 30 tons of cargo.

Aeroflot will also present its partners with plans to develop its business and modernize its fleet over the next 15 years.

KAPO will present a production forecast and plans on bringing the Tu-214 into commercial exploitation, while Tupolev will present documentation and design plans on three series of planes: the Tu-202, Tu-214 and Tu-334.

Aeroflot added that, under the agreement, future design specifications and configuration of these aircraft would have to meet its needs.

The three companies have also agreed to coordinate efforts in seeing a much-needed national aircraft leasing program set up.