RA-64518 preparing for the long journey to Komsomolsk-na-Amure on the ramp at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
Preface: As I was stepping off my flight onto a hard stand at Domodedovo, I learned that Aeroflot was purchasing Transaero. What that will mean for Transaero is unclear at this time. What I can assume, however, is that Aeroflot’s dislike of oddball fleet types puts Transaero’s three Tupolev Tu-214s in extreme danger and that makes me sad. It also made the fact that I have now flown on a Tu-214 that much more important. The things that I had to do to get that flight — they might cause the standard AvGeek to go mad!
Computer rendering of what Transaero Airbus A380 will look like. Photo by Airbus.
Russia-based Transaero Airlines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for four Airbus A380s this week. The airline will become the first A380 operator in Russia.
Transaero plans to configure their A380 in a three-class layout, which will seat 700 passengers. With so many seats, I would imagine that first and business class will be quite small.
“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.’ said Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO.
The airline launched its services in November 1991, and currently serves more than 130 routes around the world. It is Russia’s second largest airline, behind Aeroflot, and has an fleet of aircraft consisting of the Boeing 737, 767, 747, 777 and the Tupolev 214.
The Airbus A380 currently has 236 orders from 18 customers and 59 aircraft have been delivered to seven customers to date.
