One of the world’s largest helicopter manufacturers, Eurocopter, may open its own enterprise in Russia soon, Kommersant reports.
Eurocopter and structures of Russian ex-Minister of Communications, Leonid Reyman, are going to build a plant for production of helicopters in Russia, several sources reported. A number of sites are being considered, including the one in Leningrad Region. The intended period of attainment of projected capacity is three years; the capacity is 50 helicopters per year (according to market players, 80 helicopters made by Eurocopter have been delivered to Russia since the beginning of 1990s).
Rusair, which has already been negotiating with Eurocopter on construction of its plant in Russia in 2004, may also take part in the project. Representative of Leonid Reyman has confirmed the fact of negotiations with Eurocopter, but said that it is too early to discuss further details. Eurocopter and Rusair declined any comments.
As reported by a representative of Leningrad Region Committee of economic development and investment activity, Alexander Butenin, Eurocopter is choosing one out of seven offered land plots on the Region’s territory. "Land plots in Vsevlozhsky, Kirovsky, Tosnensky, Volovsky and Lomonosovsky districts have been offered. Assembly workshop and proof ground will be located on the assumed land plot with an area of 5-10 ha. The main request of the customers is location close to Petersburg and presence of all the necessary communications", — said Alexander Butenin.
According to the information of Leningrad Region’s government, new enterprise will be oriented in production of Ecureuil Family helicopters. The final assembly includes installation of seats, secondary controls, main and tail rotor blades, engines, landing gear, doors. etc. According to information of regional authorities, from 10 to 30 helicopters may be assembled at the first stage with a price of $2 million each. It is intended to offer these vehicles with the capacity of six passengers and two pilots will be offered to private customers and state structures as patrol helicopters, trainers, accidental rescue and military vehicles for ground and naval operations.
According to a source familiar with the details of the project, the project already has its launch customers. However the source has refused to name them. In addition, he stated that maintenance network and flight training center will be constructed as well.
The issue reminds us, that UTair has spoken about the possibility of starting the assembly of Ecureuil Family helicopters in Russia last summer. It was planned to start the assembly at plant in Tumen, but “it was nothing but discussions”. However, UTair is the largest customer of these helicopters in Russia. The airline has ordered 20 vehicles in autumn 2010, the deliveries have been started and the final delivery will take place in spring 2013. Moreover, UTair has its own maintenance centers for Eurocopter helicopters. A source in UTair said that the company has no idea of the project of building the plant in Leningrad Region and did not receive any proposals of joining it.
