Russian flag carrier Aeroflot is reconsidering Boeing options for its fleet renewal following a final push from a Boeing team during US President George Bush's visit to Moscow late last month, according to airline sources.
The carrier, which is due to make a decision this month, was previously believed to be favouring an Airbus proposal for 11 A340/A330s and 16 A320 family aircraft (Flight International, 28 May-3 June). Following the airline's annual general meeting in late May, however, sources say it is reconsidering a mixed order of Boeing 767-300ERs and Airbus A319/A320s.
Economics is key, with Russia's president Vladimir Putin saying: "If the US bought Russian steel then it could offer Russia aircraft at a price that [Aeroflot] could afford."
Meanwhile, the Russian state has strengthened its presence on Aeroflot's board by taking seven of the 11 places. New members include the ministers for transport and economics and the heads of the aviation authority and the state security agency.
Source: Flight International
