The message reads, in part:

"My congratulations to you on a momentous date: the 90th anniversary of the founding of the company that bears the name of the outstanding aircraft designer, Andrei Tupolev.

"The efforts of your team have become a standard part of the country's scientific-technological and defence development. Tupolev has developed over 50 types of civilian and military planes of mass production. Among them are one of the best Second World War tactical bombers – the Tu-2, the world's first supersonic airliner Tu-144, the unique hydrogen-fueled Tu-155, and various strategic aircraft systems.

"Today the designers and engineers of your company are facing new and challenging tasks to improve the competitiveness of the Russian aircraft industry. A key initiative is the production of the advanced medium-haul passenger airliner, the Tu-204SM.

"I expect that your professionalism and modern management approach will help you to achieve your objectives."