Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest carrier, has ordered four Airbus A380s in a deal worth about $1.5 billion based on list prices.
Transaero Airlines Airbus A380-800. (Rendering by Airbus)
The Moscow-based airline says it will configure its new superjumbo cabins with about 700 seats in a three-class layout. The new planes will be operated on international routes out of its hub at Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport. “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 our passengers will benefit from a completely new experience on non-stop long-haul flights.” said Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO, in a statement.
Transaero will be the first A380 customer in Eastern Europe or Russia, a region where Airbus foresees the possibility of further sales. “We definitely see market potential for the A380 in Russia. Passenger traffic in this region is expected to increase at an average rate of 5.6 per cent per year over the next 20 years,” said Christopher Buckley, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
This will be the first widebody Airbus in the Transaero fleet, which currently consists of an impressive 11 Boeing variants: 737-300, -400, -500 and -800; 747-200, -300 and -400; 767-200 and -300; 777-200 and -300. Eight Airbus A320neos are also on order.
There was no word on delivery dates for the planes, and an engine vendor has not yet been selected.
