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01/31/2008. Tupolev started the design of the Tu-204 in 1983, and the first prototype was flown in January 2, 1989. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, the production plant at Ulyanovsk was renamed Aviastar, and that company fitted this aircraft with 43,100 lb (19,550 kg) s.t Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 turbofans. Bravia (British Russian Aviation Corporation) was formed to market the RB211-powered Tu-204.