OREANDA-NEWS. On July 17, 2014, Transaero Airlines signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus for 20 A330 Aircraft (8 A330ceo and 12 A330neo). Thus, Transaero Airlines has become a launch customer and the first European airline to commit to the A330neo.

By signing this agreement, Transaero completes its order portfolio for foreign-made aircraft for the next five years, which comprises modern long range and medium range widebody and narrowbody aircraft: А380s, Boeing 747-8s, A330neos, A330сеоs, А321s, Boeing 737-800s and A320neos.

The А330 aircraft will be a part of the Transaero's medium range and long range widebody aircraft fleet.

“Maintaining the balance between proven technologies and new fuel efficiency and passenger comfort solution, the A330neo will enable smooth integration in Transaero fleet and represent an attractive investment profile for our financial partners”, said Alexander Krinichanskiy, Executive Director of Transaero.

“This significant order from Transaero proves that both the A330ceo and the A330neo offer airlines unmatched efficiency, working in tandem to improve airline profitability and passenger comfort. We are delighted that a leading European airline has selected both the A330neo and A330ceo," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.

The A330neo is a re-engined version of the popular A330 widebody aircraft family. The program was launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from these new enhancements, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient medium range widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to this, the A330neo will feature a flight range increase of up to 740 kilometers.

Transaero Airlines launched services in 1991 and today is the second largest carrier in the Russian Federation. In 2013 Transaero carried 12.5 million passengers. Transaero Airlines ranks among the top 35 airlines in the world and the top 10 in Europe in terms of passenger turnover.Currently, Transaero operates the fleet of 101 aircraft including twenty Boeing 747s, fourteen Boeing 777s, seventeen 767s, forty five 737s, three Tupolev Tu-214 and two Tu-204-100C aircraft. Transaero has the largest widebody aircraft fleet in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. Transaero serves more than 200 destinations in Russia, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.