OREANDA-NEWS. On April 21, 2013, Transaero Airlines launched its cargo transport services as the Tu-204-100C, the first cargo aircraft of the airline, performed its maiden commercial flight on the route Moscow-Novosibirsk-Yakutsk-Moscow, carrying 24 tons of cargo.

Transaero’s first Tupolev 204-100C cargo aircraft, tail number RA64052, has completely different from Transaero’s traditional livery. The jetliner was acquired under a lease agreement between Transaero and Ilyushin Finance Co for the long-term lease of two aircraft of this type.

Transaero has chosen the Tu-204-100C aircraft with a view to enhancing its cargo transport operations. The acquisition of the freighter cements the airline's commitment to supporting Russian aircraft manufacturing industry.

Transaero plans to operate the Tu-204-100C aircraft on both domestic and international routes.

The delivery of the second Tu-204-100C freighter under the order is scheduled for mid-May.

Known primarily as one of Russia's leading passenger carriers, Transaero Airlines has also gained one of the leading positions among Russian air carriers as a cargo transport operator. According to the Russian civil aviation regulatory body Transport Clearing House, Transaero Airlines emerged as the number one cargo transport operator in Russia on domestic routes in the period from January to February, 2013.

At present, the Transaero Airlines fleet consists of 97 aircraft including 24 Boeing 747 aircraft, 14 Boeing 777 aircraft, 15 Boeing 767 aircraft, 40 Boeing 737 aircraft, 3 Tu-214 aircraft and 1 Tu-204-100C freighter.

Tu-204-100C performance specifications:

Aircraft length: 46.138 m

Wing span: 41.835 m

Fuselage cross section: 3.8 x 4.1 m

Power plant: PS 90A

Max. takeoff weight: 110.75 tons

Max. payload: 30.0 toms

Cruising speed: 850 kmph

Service ceiling: 2,000 m

Flight range with max. load: 3,950 km

Ferry range: 7,380 km