Transaero Airlines, Russia's second largest carrier, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to buy four of the passenger model of its new 747-8 jumbo jet.

The order commitment is worth US$1.3 billion at list prices, though data from aircraft valuation firm Avitas pegs the value after standard market discounts at about US$669 million.

The news comes a week after Dubai lessor DAE Capital canceled orders for five of the freighter versions of the 747-8.

Transaero will configure the new 747-8s for about 460 passengers.

The airline flies an almost all-Boeing fleet, including 19 older 747-400s, eight large 777s and 13 mid-size 767s.

However in August Transaero committed to buy Airbus A320neo single-aisle jets. And late last month, it signed an MOU with Airbus to buy four A380 superjumbos, which it plans to fly with seats for 700 passengers.