First A380 Customer In Russia, The CIS And Eastern Europe

Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest carrier, has completed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four A380 aircraft. The agreement was signed Thursday by Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO and Christopher Buckley, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Europe, Asia and the Pacific on the first day of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. This order follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2011. The deal will be financed with the support of VEB Leasing.

Transaero becomes the first customer for the A380 in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The Russian carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on its long-range network of high density routes from Moscow. The aircraft will feature a three class cabin layout, seating about 700 passengers. Transaero will announce the engine selection soon.

”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 Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO.

“We are delighted to welcome Transaero as our new A380 customer,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, 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 services in November 1991, and currently serves more than 130 routes all over the world.

Including this order for four A380 from Transaero, the total A380 order book stands at 257 aircraft from 20 customers worldwide. To date, Airbus has delivered 77 aircraft to eight customers.

FMI: www.airbus.com