Tupolev Tu-134B-3, YK-AYE / 66187, Syrian Arab Airlines (RB / SYR)
This picture is © Panagiotis A. Pietris and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: YK-AYE
Construction Number: 66187
Model Tupolev Tu-134B-3
Operator: Syrian Arab Airlines (RB / SYR)
Airport: Athens - Eleftherios Venizelos International (ATH / LGAV), Greece
Photographer: Panagiotis A. Pietris
Date Taken: 21/01/2014
Date Submitted: 01/11/2014
This rare bird appeared all of a sudden here in Athens for a refuel stop. The plane was carrying a Syrian delegation with the Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem bound to attend the scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Montreux, Switzerland on the eve of the beginning of Geneva 2 peace talks. The ground handling company refused to supply fuel due to EU sanctions / trade embargo against Syria. The Greek Foreign Ministry had to intervene to settle the conflict but this had resulted in 5 hours delay. Here it is seen while taxing late afternoon (17:20L) for take-off from 21L.
Picture ID:1471770