Russian carrier Transaero has taken delivery of a second Tupolev Tu-214 aircraft, part of batch of 10 being acquired by the operator.

The twin-engined Aviadvigatel PS-90A-powered Tu-214 was handed over at the Kazan aircraft production plant, under a contract between Moscow-based Transaero and Russia's Finance Leasing.

Transaero's general director, Olga Pleshakova, says the delivery reiterates the carrier's commitment to receiving the type.

The carrier took delivery of its first example on 23 April last year and the remainder are due to arrive over the course of 2009-10.

Pleshakova says the carrier has demonstrated that it has "everything necessary" - in terms of network and personnel - to operate the Tu-214 "successfully and effectively".

Transaero Tu-214

But she also said that the competitiveness of the aircraft could be increased by improving the supply chain for spare parts. Sources at Transaero indicate that spares can sometimes take several weeks to arrive.

The Tu-214 is configured in two classes, with eight business-class and 176 economy-class seats.

Transaero, adds Pleshakova, has made substantial lease payments towards the aircraft and she hopes that the Russian Government will follow through with proposals to increase a reimbursement scheme for lease payments of Russian-built aircraft.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news