Transaero

It was established in 1990 as a joint stock company in competition with the stodiger state run airline Aeroflot. On November 5, 1991 it launched its maiden flight from Moscow to Tel Aviv, using an Illyshin-86. Later during the 1990s as Russians grew wealthier (and less prone to emigrate) the airline started serving tourist destinations, similar to other low-cost carriers in Europe). The airline also adopted several other characteristics of Western airlines - like obtaining a Western-built aircraft fleet (1993), running a frequent flier programme (1995), founding a subsidiary for charter flights (1996) and acquiring a FAA aircraft maintenance certificate (1997).

A subsidiary business, Transaero Tours, was established in 1996 to cater for Russian tourists with international charter flights.

Transaero now flies a fleet of Boeing 747-200s, Boeing 767-300s, Boeing 757-200s, Boeing 737-300s and Boeing 767-400. Previously it flew with a motley assortment of Illyshin, Airbus and DC-10 aircraft - few airlines choose to operate with different aircraft types. The airline has scheduled flights to:

Commonwealth of Independent States