Just days after tentatively signing for four Airbus A380s, Russian carrier Transaero has also reached a preliminary agreement to take four Boeing 747-8 passenger aircraft.

The Moscow-based carrier has confirmed the agreement for the jets which would be fitted with around 460 seats in four classes.

Transaero is already an operator of 747-400s, and had been largely loyal to Boeing types before signing for Airbus A320neos earlier this year, as well as the A380s.

Director general Olga Pleshakova said: "We've accumulated a wealth of experience which gives us confidence that our airline will successfully operate these [747-8s] on Russian and international routes."

Boeing's vice-president for civil aircraft sales in Russia, Marty Bentrott, said Transaero would become the first carrier in the country, and in Eastern Europe, to take the new 747 variant.

Transaero has not indicated planned delivery dates for the aircraft, which are powered by General Electric GEnx engines.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news