Russian helicopters take off in Moscow’s HeliRussia 2009 despite crisis - www.RussianAvia.net, Focus Communication
Release Date: 2009-05-22
Moscow, 21 May 2009 (www.RussianAvia.net) – The international helicopter market is in good health, in spite of current market conditions, as shown by massive influx of Russian and foreign companies during the first day of the second international helicopter industry exhibition Helirussia 2009, held in Moscow until May 23, 2009.
130 companies from Russia and abroad showcased 20 of their creations, including the legendary Russian design bureaus Mil and Kamov, and international heavyweights such as Eurocopter, AugustaWestland, Bell Helicopters, Robinson and MD.
High-profile Russian politicians, foreign military representatives, businessmen and helicopter lovers were greeted by flagship Russian KA-52 Alligator on display at the main entrance. 10,000 people are expected to stroll around the 10,750 sq. metres over the 3-day event to have a taste of the best helicopters from Russia and beyond, from light choppers for air taxis to heavy-bodied rescue machines, including the world’s smallest personal rotor-engine from Japanese manufacturer Gen Corporation; GEN H–4 holds the Guinness Record as the world’s smallest manned helicopter which weighs only 70 kg.
The Russian Helicopters (RH) holding presented a new Mi-17, with a full glass cockpit, which is undergoing final tests and should be ready for action by the end of 2009. CEO Andrey Shibitov also announced a new project, a “long-range and high-speed helicopter”, which shall be put into operation in 7 years.
The demand for Russian helicopters is high in Russia and abroad, although the crisis is beginning to be felt. The ambition is to regain former Soviet leadership in manufacturing by 2015, and, consequently, 150 billion roubles have been allocated, split between the State and private investors.
The RH holding, which unites the national sector, says orders are still coming in, although demand is gradually slowing down and prices going up. In 2008 the company built a record 160 machines. “2008 brought good results to the company,” CEO Andrey Shibitov told a press conference. Despite tougher market conditions, Shibitov vows to increase the order portfolio up to 500 units per year, by developing and expanding customer services sector across the world, traditionally the weakest link in Russian helicopter manufacturing, and an obstacle to international expansion. “There’s a new joint service center to open in India in 2009. Our goal is to have 23-25 service centers internationally in the next few years,” Shibitov said.
Andrey Reus, General Director of State-run helicopter manufacturing corporation, OPK Oboronprom, said 2009 has been declared “Year of Services” for the Russian aviation industry. “Competition in the market is very high,” Reus said, “but we plan to gain 40-50% of the domestic market,” with a bit of help from the State and the oil and gas sector, which needs choppers to service remote fields.
After 15 years of absence in the global market, the Russian helicopters are ready to take to the skies once again. “There were 15 years of ‘dead time’ in the industry in Russia, so it’s taking long time for the Russian aviation sector to recover, but I’m sure we will catch up,” Reus said.
| Type: | NORMAL |
| Company: | Focus Communication |
| Country: | Russian Federation |