Transaero, the Russia’s second largest carrier, has signed the firm contract with Airbus on delivery of eight new-built re-engined fuel-efficient single-aisle A320neo aircraft, reported in the joint press-release of Transaero and Airbus. AEX.ru

The order confirms the terms specified in Memorandum of understanding, signed in August during MAKS-2011 air show. The airline acquires these aircraft in the network of its fleet expansion and renewal program. It plans to operate the jets on domestic and international medium-haul routes. The engine selection will be made later.

Olga Pleshakova, CEO of Transaero, said: «The signing of the firm contract on delivery of Airbus A320neos confirms the seriousness of Transaero’s intentions to become the launch customer of these state-of-the-art single-aisle jets in Russia, CIS Region and Eastern Europe. By acquiring these aircraft we are trying to provide the highest level of comfort to our passengers and increase the availability of transportation due to high efficiency of A320neo liners».

«Transaero is known as the company, which uses advanced technologies, and one of the pioneers at the Russian market, so we are glad to play an important role in its development. Under the conditions of intense rivalry, this order is an important credit of trust to our efficient and comfortable А320neo liner», - said Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy.

Over 8,100 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,800 delivered to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.
The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. This reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4m litres of fuel per jet.  This saves 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year, the amount of C02 absorbed by 240,000 mature trees. The A320neo is offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6 and this aircraft also has considerably smaller noise footprint.