Browse > Home / Helicopters / AgustaWestland Eyes Russian Helo Facility

AgustaWestland Eyes Russian Helo Facility

May 17, 2008

agustawestland1.jpg AgustaWestland has signed a long-term partnership agreement with Moscow-based Oboronprom, which could lead to the European helicopter maker setting up a production line in Russia.

Details of the Russian production facility are still under study. The two parties are now working on finding a production site and figuring out how best to implement such a large effort. Helicopters produced off that line would be sold globally, not just in Russia and neighboring countries.

But the first step in the cooperation is a more straightforward helicopter purchase. AgustaWestland, Oboronprom and Loyd’s Investment have signed an agreement to sell several helicopters for use in Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States countries. The deal could reach a value of up to 450 million euros through 2012.

The helicopter package should see AgustaWestland sell two AW119s, two A109 Power, four Grand and two A319s medium helos this year. That initial increment is valued at 65 million euros.

Oboronprom also will market AgustaWestland production in Russia and most CIS states for a variety of roles. The region has a burgeoning oil and gas sector, where helicopters see heavy use, but also an increasing appetite for so-called VIP (very important person) transport.

The second step in the cooperation would see Oboronprom and AgustaWestland will set up maintenance centers to support the newly placed rotorcraft.

The agreement was inked at the first Moscow International Exhibition HeliRussia-2008 and builds on a letter of intent signed last year.

Photo: AgustaWestland

Bookmark

Written by UniqueMP · Filed Under Helicopters 

Comments

Comments are closed.