Russian flag-carrier Aeroflot has, as anticipated, signed a contract to acquire 22 Boeing 787 twin-jets, with the delivery dates set for 2014-16.
The airline has not indicated an engine selection, stating that it will make its choice at a later date.
Under the terms of the contract, says the carrier, it has the option of taking either the 787-8 or larger 787-9. It has not detailed any initial split between the two models.
Boeing and Aeroflot signed the agreement at a ceremony in St Petersburg in the presence of Russian first deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov.
The pact is the latest in a long-running and politically-charged saga centred on the renewal of Aeroflot’s long-haul fleet.
Boeing had previously assigned 787 production slots to Aeroflot but these lapsed as a final deal remained elusive.
Boeing has also notably signed agreements today, alongside the 787 deal, regarding co-operation with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation and with Sukhoi.
Aeroflot has already tentatively agreed to take 22 Airbus A350s, to be delivered from 2014-17, as well as ten Airbus A330s from 2008-10. This deal, the subject of a memorandum of understanding in March, has yet to be firmed and it is unclear whether the airline will retain both the 787 and A350.
The carrier’s fleet overhaul has also involved its deciding to take 45 Sukhoi Superjet 100s and six Ilyushin Il-96-400 freighters.
Russia’s S7 Airlines recently became the first carrier in the country to opt for the 787 with a deal to take up to 25 of the type.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
