In this issue, we are featuring a Program at a Glance review of the Transaero Privilege program and we recently had the chance to speak with Olga Pleshakova, Transaero’s General Director.

Transaero Airlines recently launched flights between Miami or New York and Russia. We asked Pleshakova if there were any other U.S. cities the airline was considering for new destinations, and she replied, “We’re conducting marketing research to find whether there is demand on Moscow-LA and Moscow-San Francisco routes.” She continued to say that this does not necessarily mean that they are launching these routes–they are looking into it.

We also asked Pleshkova about their current partnership with BMI–and what might happen to that partnership when BMI Diamond Club is folded into Miles & More. She said, “Our partners have not informed us of their plans regarding Diamond Club and the changes in the agreement which may follow.” She mentioned that until that time, the membership will continue with BMI on the current terms.

Members of Transaero Privilege can also look forward to new airline partnerships, but it is too early for Pleshkova to comment on which carriers might become partners. In other news, Transaero will continue to add partnerships including co-branded credit cards and car rental and travel companies. Look for developments at http://www.transaero.ru/en