Transaero, the Russian second largest carrier, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus on October 28th on delivery of four A380 aircraft. This agreement has been signed by CEO of Transaero, Olga Pleshakova, and Cristopher Buckley, Airbus executive vice-president, Sales, Europe, Asia and Asian-Pacific Region. The signing ceremony has also been attended by Russian Minister of Transport, Igor Levitin, the airline’s press-service reports. AEX.ru

Thus, Transaero becomes the launch customer of A380 in Russia, CIS Region and Eastern Europe. The airline plans to operate the jets on the most popular destinations departing from Moscow. The liners will have a three-class layout intended for about 700 passengers. The engine selection will be made later.

CEO of Transaero, Olga Pleshakova, said:”Our airline has a vast experience of operating long-haul aircraft with a capacity over 500 passengers and we are ready to offer the world’s largest jet to our passengers. I am confident that operation of A380 will give a strong impulse for development of airlines industry in Russia, especially in the area of ground infrastructure, and Transaero’s passengers will experience a new quality level of provided services during long-haul non-stop flights».

«We are glad that Transaero has become the first customer for A380 in Russia»,- Christopher Buckley noted. «We are sure that there is a market for A380 in Russia. According to our forecast for the 20 next years, the passenger traffic in this region will increase by average 5,6% per year, which is greater than the world’s average indicators. In this respect, our advanced and eco-friendly A380 perfectly suits the market’s demand».