Originally posted by swh
Looks like Transaero picked up the aircraft they were trying to offload to CX.
No. Transaero signed an MoU for 4 back in 2011. There were some questions earlier in 2013 if they were ever going to be firmed up since it had been so long, but in the latter third of 2013, the UN CEO stated the actual plans that they had for the 747-8, and how they were going to use them differently than the A380s that they have on order, so it was pretty clear at that time that they would be firmed up.
That happened on December 27th. The other 2 8Is that were firmed on December 21st have been the target of a lot of speculation, however they are most likely for CA, since they had committed to 2 back in March of 2013.
Whether or not CX still picks up some 747-8Is could still be an interesting question I feel.