Russian airlines resume flights to Israel

Russia's second-largest airline Transaero said Thursday (July 24) it was resuming flights to Israel, two days after suspending traffic along with other major airlines over security concerns.

"As of today, Transaero will operate all services between Russia and Israel according to schedule," the company said in statement.

Transaero turned around one of its flights to Tel Aviv in mid-air on Tuesday after European aviation authorities cautioned against flying to Ben Gurion International Airport, after a Hamas rocket struck a neighbourhood to the north of the airport.

In the United States, the FAA on Thursday lifted its two-day ban on US airlines flying into or out of Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's only international hub.

Russia's largest airline, Aeroflot, said late Wednesday it was resuming flights to Israel.

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Airbus says Transaero Airlines plans US$5.3b planes deal

European planemaker Airbus said on Thursday that Transaero, Russia's second-biggest airline, intends to buy 20 of its long-haul A330 aircraft, including a dozen new fuel-efficient neo jets.

Airbus said at the Farnborough airshow that Transaero had committed to buy 20 A330 planes, comprising eight A330ceo (current engine option) and 12 A330neo (new engine option) jets worth a combined $5.3 billion (3.9 billion euros) at list prices.

"This agreement makes Transaero an important launch customer and the first European airline to commit to the A330neo," Airbus said in a statement.

"The A330s will allow Transaero to continue the massive fleet modernization program and to boost its medium and long-haul domestic and international network."

Launched at Farnborough on Monday, the neo plane is a revamped version of the A330 and sports engine upgrades to provide more economical long-haul travel.

Airbus has won 121 commitments for the neo at Farnborough but no firm orders.

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