OREANDA-NEWS. November 17, 2011. Transaero Airlines, Russia's second largest airline, signed an agreement with Boeing Commercial Airplanes for four Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft. The agreement was signed by Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO, and Marty Bentrott, Vice president of Sales for Russia, Central Asia and Middle East, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Transaero becomes the launch customer for the Boeing 747-8I in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The carrier plans that the capacity of the aircraft will be about 460 seats in a four class layout.

"Our cooperation with Boeing started in 1993 when Transaero became the first airline in Russia to fly with Boeing aircraft. In 2005 we became the first operator of Boeing 747 aircraft in our country, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The acquisition of 747-8Is is our next step in ongoing implementation of our fleet developing and modernization program. We have deep expertise in operating long-haul wide-body jetliners and we're confident that performing flights with the aircraft on both domestic and international routes will be a success", said Olga Pleshakova.

"With its selection of the 747-8I, Transaero becomes the first airline in Russia and Eastern Europe to make a purchase decision on the latest passenger model of the 747, an airplane famous for its low operating costs and unparalleled passenger appeal," said Marty Bentrott. "We are very proud of our continuing relationship with Transaero - the first Russian operator of Boeing aircraft and the first Russian operator of passenger 747s. The 747-8I will be a perfect fit for Transaero's growing fleet and expanding destinations."