First Dreamliner Delivery Under Deal Set For 2014

The manufacturer reports a Memo of Understanding with Transaero Airlines to purchase four Dreamliners in a deal with $774 million at list prices. The first of the four 787s is reportedly scheduled for delivery in 2014, and will make Transaero the first airline in Russia to operate the type.

S7, another private-sector Russian airline formerly known as Siberian Airlines, ordered some 787s in 2007, but canceled when the economy took a downturn. State-owned Aeroflot ordered 22 Dreamliners, also in 2007, but has first deliveries scheduled for 2016. So Transaero, if the MOU results in actual orders and deliveries, will become the Russian launch customer for the 787.

Air Transport World reports Transaero's planes will feature 262 seats in three classes, according to a source at the airline.

Transaero has also been in the news over the last few months for an MOU with Airbus for four A380s, and a firm order for eight A320neos. Another recent MOU with Boeing is for four 747 Intercontinentals.

Transaero was the first private airline in the history of Russia, and celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 5 of this year. Transaero also claims to be the first airline in Russia to add modern, foreign-made aircraft to its fleet, which is now a strategy Russian regulators are promoting for all Russian carriers as part of the answer to the nation's chronic commercial aviation accident rate.

FMI: www.boeing.com ; www.transaero.ru/en