Transaero confirms A380 order

Transaero has ordered four A380s

Transaero Airlines has completed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four A380 aircraft.

The agreement was signed on Thursday by the Russian airline’s CEO Olga Pleshakova and Christopher Buckley, Airbus’ Executive Vice President for Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

The confirmation of the order follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2011, and will see Transaero become the first airline in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe to operate the double-decker aircraft.

The Moscow-based carrier plans operate the aircraft in a high-density configuration, with approximately 700 seats. This would make it the highest capacity of any commercial passenger aircraft in the world. Routes could include high-volume Asian sectors such as Bangkok.

“Our airline, with its strong innovation culture, will be the first in Russia to fly the A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. I am sure that the operation of the A380 will stimulate the development of Russia’s aviation sector, in particular, its ground infrastructure. In addition, our passengers will benefit from the completely new air travel experience that the A380 offers with its spacious, comfortable cabin, for their long-haul flights.” said Ms Pleshakova.

“We are delighted to welcome Transaero as our new A380 customer,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer for Customers. “We are confident that this most efficient aircraft will enable the airline to cope with the traffic growth in Russia and offer its passengers unrivalled levels of comfort on board,” he added.

Transaero Airlines launched its first services in 1991 and currently serves more than 130 routes across the world.

By Amanda Greenwood, 22 June 2012, Friday 5:01 PM