The Tu-154 is a Soviet-designed jet airliner that first flew in 1968. It was developed by the Tupolev design bureau and became popular for its ability to operate on shorter runways, making it suitable for various airports. The aircraft typically seats around 150 passengers and is known for its distinctive three-engine configuration. Throughout its operational history, the Tu-154 has been used by numerous airlines and governments worldwide. It was particularly favored in Eastern Europe and Asia, serving both passenger and cargo roles. Despite its age, some variants of the Tu-154 are still in service today, primarily for charter and cargo flights.