Russian Flag Carrier Modernizes Fleet

The Russia based airline Aeroflot, recently finalized an order for 22 new Boeing aircraft. This purchase will allow Russia's flag carrier and largest airline to replace older aircraft, as well as expand operations to many more destinations. This recent purchase is for Boeing's newest plane, the 787. The list price for these 22 aircraft is around 3.6 billion US Dollars.

This newest order comes on top of an order for the Airbus 350, the direct competitor of the Boeing 787. While this at first seems very illogical, it will allow Aeroflot to replace older aircraft operated today. Aeroflot's general director, Valery Okulov, had the following to say about the order, "The 787 is an excellent match for many of our requirements thanks to its efficiency, operational performance and passenger comfort. The 787 will open new market opportunities as we further modernize our fleet and expand our international reach." Aeroflot currently operates 11 Boeing 767's, the aircraft that the 787 is designed to replace. The newly ordered 787 will be delivered initially in either late 2013 or early 2014, with entry into service, sometime in 2014.

The Boeing Company is has designed the newest airliner, the 787 for upmost efficiency. Boeing has estimated a market for 3,500 aircraft of that size, within the next 20 years. Boeing designed the 787 around the concept of carbon fiber, thus lightening the aircraft. The structure allows the aircraft to have lower pressures, thus creating a more comfortable cabin, as well as larger windows, allowing for the best views in the industry. The Boeing 787 comes in three variants, the 787-3, 787-8, and the 787-9. Each are designed for different categories, with the 787-3 being for short range, high density operations. The 787-8 is the base model, which Aeroflot purchased. The 787-9 is the longest range variant at this point in time. Various models will allow airlines to fly nonstop routes well over 8,000 nautical miles.

About the ordered aircraft: The Boeing 787-8 is Boeing's newest aircraft. Composed of carbon fiber material, the aircraft is truly revolutionary. The 787-8 will hold between 210 and 250 passengers, be able to fly just short of 8,000 nautical miles, and carry nearly 250,000 pounds of cargo. The 787-8 is the base model of the series, which covers a variety of markets. At the time of writing, nearly 800 787's have been ordered, prior to the first flight of the aircraft.