Transaero to add 4 747-8I to fleet

Transaero Airlines (UN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boeing for four 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft, making it the first customer in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe for the passenger version of 747-8. The deal is valued at $1.32 billion at list prices. The aircraft will be delivered in 2016.

The aircraft will feature a four-class cabin layout (first, business, premium economy and tourist) seating about 460 passengers, according to UN.

“In 2005 we became the first Boeing 747 operator in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. Following our traditions we chose modern and efficient 747-8 Intercontinental,” Pleshakova said during the signing ceremony. AirBridge Cargo is Russia’s first customer of 747-8 cargo version, which will receive its first aircraft at the beginning of the next year.

The carrier last month signed an MOU for four Airbus A380s. At the MAKS Airshow in Moscow this summer, UN CEO Olga Pleshakova said the A380s/747-8s would be used to replace older 747s and expand the carrier's fleet from 2015 onward.

The carrier operates nearly 70 aircraft, including 747s, 777s, 767s, 737s and Tupolev Tu-214s. UN specializes in long-haul flights on tourist destinations developing its route network both from Moscow in Saint Petersburg and also flies on the domestic long- and medium-haul routes from these cities.

(Polina Borodina - ATWOnline News)