What a Yakovlev YAK-40 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 2 Yakovlev YAK-40 aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a Yakovlev YAK-40 fly?
A Yakovlev YAK-40 flies about 972 nm, roughly 1,800 km, which is about 3 h 16 min in still air at typical cruise.
More questions about the Yakovlev YAK-40
How much does a Yakovlev YAK-40 cost?
What is the price range for a used Yakovlev YAK-40?
How many Yakovlev YAK-40 aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a Yakovlev YAK-40 for sale?
What should I check when buying a used Yakovlev YAK-40?
About the Yakovlev YAK-40
Aircraft overview
The Yakovlev YAK-40 is a Soviet designed regional jet built by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, with first flight in 1966 and series production running from 1967 to 1981. It was created for short regional routes, including operations from smaller airports with limited ground infrastructure. Unlike many commuter aircraft of its era, the Yakovlev YAK-40 used a three engine jet layout, giving operators jet performance with good short field capability. More than 1,000 were produced, and the type served widely with airlines, government agencies and corporate operators across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Performance & specifications
Typical cruise speed is around 280 to 300 knots, depending on weight, altitude and configuration. Practical range varies substantially by payload and fuel fit, with commonly cited airline missions below 1,000 nautical miles. Maximum service ceiling is about 26,000 feet. The aircraft is powered by three Ivchenko AI-25 turbofan engines, each rated at approximately 3,300 lbf of thrust. Maximum takeoff weight is typically listed around 35,000 lb, with useful payload in regional airline layouts commonly in the 12,000 to 13,000 lb class. The design includes an integral rear airstair, robust landing gear and systems intended for operations away from major hubs.
Cabin & avionics
Standard airline interiors usually seat 27 to 32 passengers, with higher density configurations also seen in service. Corporate and government aircraft often have lounge seating, tables, divans and reduced passenger capacity. Cabin height and width are modest by modern business jet standards, but the fuselage provides a practical regional transport cabin with baggage space suited to short sectors. Original avionics are Soviet era analog instruments and radio navigation equipment. Aircraft remaining in civil use may have Western communication, navigation and surveillance upgrades, such as modern VHF radios, transponders, GPS, ADS-B, terrain awareness or weather radar. Integrated Garmin Perspective or Garmin G1000 suites are not typical for the Yakovlev YAK-40.
Buying & value
On the used market, the Yakovlev YAK-40 is a niche aircraft. It is most relevant to buyers seeking a rugged classic regional jet, a government transport, a special mission platform or a VIP conversion with distinctive heritage. Key diligence items include airframe time and calendar status, corrosion, records traceability, engine condition, landing gear life, fuel system condition, compliance with current navigation and surveillance mandates, and the availability of maintenance expertise for AI-25 engines and Soviet origin components. Common configurations include passenger, VIP salon and Yak-40K cargo capable versions. Values are generally driven less by age alone and more by documentation, operational status, spares package, avionics modernization and the ability to support the aircraft in the buyer’s operating region.