OREANDA-NEWS. On 21 August 2008 was announced, that Boeing 777 recently acquired by Transaero made its first flight on Moscow – Tel Aviv route on August 17, 2008. Transaero put this jetliner, which is definitely the most comfortable aircraft of the Russian commercial aviation, into operation on a route, which is of primary importance for the airline. In November 1991 Transaero launched its commercial operations and started serving the route connecting Moscow with Tel Aviv. The airline has regular service on the route for 15 years. Transaero’s strive to operate its best jetliners on Moscow - Tel Aviv route has become a good tradition. For instance, the first Boeing 747 in Russia acquired by Transaero started serving the route in summer 2005. Transaero offers its passengers traveling to Israel services which meet the highest industry standards.

The introduction of visa-free regime between Russia and Israel has brought the routes connecting these two countries into public focus. As the number of passengers traveling on the routes is to grow significantly, the airlines are to act in a responsible manner. They are to take relevant measures to increase their capacities so that all people who want to travel to Israel or to Russia have such an opportunity. Transaero is ready to provide its services to the increased number of passengers. It has developed a special program which provides serving the routes to Israel with larger airplanes. The daily capacity on Moscow-Tel Aviv route can be increased to about 1,500 seats. Currently Transaero operates 3 scheduled flights daily on Moscow – Tel Aviv route (two flights from Domodedovo International Airport and one flight from Sheremetyevo International Airport. In case of necessity Transaero may operate Boeing 747s on this route (with a capacity of almost 500 passengers each).

At present Transaero operates Boeing 777 on this route. The jetliner is unique for the Russian commercial aviation.

Boeing 777 is known for its exceptional performance. Upon Transaero’s request the body of the airplane was covered with special Teflon coating, which helps to cut fuel consumption by 2% - a very important feature taking into account soaring jet fuel prices. No other jet operated by Russian airlines has such an innovative coating.

Transaero’s new Boeing 777 is unsurpassed in terms of comfort. It is the only aircraft operated by Russian airlines having a four-class configuration. It is equipped with exceptionally comfortable First Class cabin offering 12 flat-bed seats. The Business Class of Transaero’s Boeing 777 can accommodate up to 14 passengers, while the Economy Class cabin has 280 seats. In accordance with common Transaero’s practice the Economy Class is divided into two parts almost equal in size – Premium Economy Class (pitch – 90 cm) and Tourist Economy Class (pitch – 80 cm). All in all, the new airplane can carry up to 306 passengers. Three more Boeing 777s are to be delivered to Transaero in 2008.

Transaero will be able to offer fares affordable to all categories of passengers through operation of large capacity airplanes with excellent fuel efficiency on Moscow – Tel Aviv route. It is worth mentioning that Transaero now operates the largest fleet of wide-body long-haul jetliners in Russia.

The first arrival of Boeing 777 to Tel Aviv did not go unnoticed. Journalists from Israeli news agencies, TV channels and newspapers came to Ben Gurion International Airport to witness the event.

Speaking of the launch of Boeing 777 service on Moscow – Tel Aviv route Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Director General, said: “The very fact that the first flight performed by our new Boeing 777 was the flight on Moscow – Tel Aviv route is quite symbolic. We have been serving this route for all these years. We have always done our best to provide the best services to our passengers traveling on this route and will do so in the future. Today we offer them an opportunity to fly in the most comfortable aircraft of the Russian commercial aviation. Transaero does its best to be prepared for introduction of visa-free regime between Russia and Israel. I want to inform all our passengers that we are to offer sufficient capacity on this route. And we will strive to make our fares more affordable”.