Transaero's fleet plans over the next ten to 15 years will centre on acquiring a mix of Western and Russian types, including the Boeing 767, next-generation Boeing 737 (-600/ 700/800), and Ilyushin Il-96M, the carrier has announced. The Moscow-based airline expects to introduce the first of the new aircraft "within the next 18 months".
Announcing its plans in Moscow in late February, Transaero president Alexander Pleshakov said that the airline will acquire "ten or more units of each of the new types" with the first examples of each expected to be in service within three years.
The first 767, a -300ER, will be delivered by the end of 1998, and the 737 deliveries are also scheduled to begin during that year. No engine selection for the 767 has been announced.
Deliveries of the Pratt & Whitney PW4000-powered Il-96M is dependent on several issues, including the progress of its Russian certification programme, which is aimed to be completed by the second quarter 1998, and negotiations with Aeroflot Russian International Airlines, which in theory holds the first 20 delivery positions.
Transaero is also considering the acquisition of the Tupolev Tu-204, but no final decision has been made on the number, variant, powerplant or supplier.
Pleshakov says that he is still awaiting proposals for the Tu-204 from Sirocco, Aviastar and Russian Aviation Consortium/ Moscow Aviation International.
Several sources of financing will be used, combining direct purchase orders with operating and financial leases. Negotiations are under way with Russian and foreign commercial banks and institutional investors, leasing companies and the manufacturers. Pleshakov believes that institutes such as the US Exim bank will also participate in the financing.
Transaero's existing fleet includes one Ilyushin Il-86 and 13 leased Western aircraft: five Boeing 737-200s, five Boeing 757s and three McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30s. As the new aircraft are delivered, Transaero will return the older 737-200s and DC-10s.
Transaero, which began regular operations five years ago, flew more than 1.5 million passengers in 1996, a 30% increase on 1995. It is confident that the growth will continue, and expects to carry 2 million passengers this year.
Its last published accounts (1995) show that the airline recorded a net profit of $27.6 million on revenues of $156 million.
Source: Flight International
