Russian airline Transaero orders four A380s

[News_Editor]

Russian airline Transaero orders four A380s

2011-10-28 23:58:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- Russian airline Transaero has signed an agreement with Airbus for four A380 aircraft in a deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion, the aircraft manufacturer announced on Friday.

Transaero Airlines CEO Olga Pleshakova signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus, which will make Transaero the first A380 customer in Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and eastern Europe. The deal is valued at approximately $1.5 billion.

The Russian carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on its long-range network of high density routes from Moscow, the Russian capital. The aircraft, for which an engine selection will be announced later, will feature a three class cabin layout, seating about 700 passengers.

"Transaero is experienced in operating long-range wide-body aircraft, and is now ready to offer the A380. I am sure that the operation of this high capacity aircraft will stimulate the development of Russia's aviation sector, in particular airports infrastructure while passengers will benefit from a completely new experience," Pleshakova said.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers, welcomed the deal and said the aircraft manufacturer sees market potential for the A380 in Russia. "Passenger traffic in this region is expected to increase at an average rate of 5.6 percent per year over the next 20 years," he said. "We are convinced that the A380 is the best and most eco-efficient aircraft to meet those market requirements."

Airbus currently has 236 orders for the A380 aircraft from 18 customers worldwide and 59 aircraft have previously been delivered to seven customers. The first A380 entered service in 2007.

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