What a Yakovlev YAK-42 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 3 Yakovlev YAK-42 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-42 fly?
A Yakovlev YAK-42 flies about 2,215 nm, roughly 4,102 km, which is about 5 h 4 min in still air at typical cruise.
More questions about the Yakovlev YAK-42
How much does a Yakovlev YAK-42 cost?
What is the price range for a used Yakovlev YAK-42?
How many Yakovlev YAK-42 aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a Yakovlev YAK-42 for sale?
What should I check when buying a used Yakovlev YAK-42?
About the Yakovlev YAK-42
Aircraft overview
The Yakovlev YAK-42 is a Soviet and Russian three engine regional jet airliner developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau as a replacement for older short and medium haul types such as the Tu-134 and Il-18 on domestic routes. The prototype first flew in 1975, with series production beginning in the late 1970s and continuing, in limited form, into the early 2000s. It entered airline service in 1980. The aircraft matters in the used market because it combines a rugged airframe, rear mounted turbofan layout and capability for regional airline, charter, government and corporate shuttle missions, particularly in operators familiar with Russian certification and support systems.
Performance & specifications
Typical cruise speed for the Yakovlev YAK-42 is about 430 knots, depending on weight and operating profile. Practical range varies by version and payload, with the later Yakovlev YAK-42D offering roughly 1,100 nautical miles in airline service conditions. Maximum operating altitude is commonly listed around 31,000 feet. The aircraft is powered by three Ivchenko Progress D-36 high bypass turbofan engines, mounted at the rear fuselage, each rated at approximately 14,300 lbf of thrust. Typical maximum passenger payload is around 32,000 lb, although actual useful load depends strongly on interior, fuel load, equipment fit and national operating limitations.
Cabin & avionics
The standard airliner cabin normally seats about 100 to 120 passengers, often in a five abreast economy layout. Some aircraft have been configured for VIP, corporate or government transport with lower density seating, lounges, galleys and upgraded lavatories. The Yakovlev YAK-42 was designed before modern integrated glass cockpits became common, so most examples use conventional Soviet or Russian analog flight instruments with separate navigation, communication and autopilot systems. Used aircraft may have added Western radios, GPS, transponders, TCAS and EGPWS to meet operating requirements. Buyers should verify the exact avionics standard, documentation language and compliance with the intended registry.
Buying & value
On the used market, the Yakovlev YAK-42 is a niche aircraft rather than a mainstream Western regional jet. The key variant is the Yakovlev YAK-42D, valued for improved range and later production status. Pre purchase review should focus on total time and cycles, corrosion control, landing gear status, engine life limits, D-36 parts availability, avionics compliance, cabin emergency equipment and the completeness of Soviet or Russian maintenance records. Value is usually driven less by cabin age and more by airworthiness status, spares package, engine condition and the ability to support the type under the buyer’s regulatory environment.