Russia-based Transaero Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Boeing to buy four passenger models of its new 747-8 jet for $1.3bn.

The deal would make Transaero the first airline in Russia, the CIS and East European countries to operate the long-haul, wide-body Boeing-747-8, the company said.

The 460-seat aircraft will feature a four-class cabin layout that includes first, business, premium economy and tourist seating.

Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for 2016.