Government-owned Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has announced it will acquire rival airline Transaero.
Aeroflot will purchase a 75 per cent controlling stake in the struggling airline for one rouble.
In a statement Aeroflot said: “In the interests of the development of the commercial aviation and creating one of the largest in the world group of airlines, the commission has approved the acquisition of JSC Transaero Airlines by Aeroflot group.”
The airline added the deal will “serve the interests of passengers, personnel and partners of the airline”.
Transaero is Russia's second largest carrier, after Aeroflot.