The joint venture between Russian Helicopters and PSB will provide helicopter rental services in the Russian and foreign markets. This format of cooperation will allow the holding to develop new sales markets, and will provide operators with a unique opportunity to purchase a helicopter on operational lease for 2-4 years and immediately receive it to fulfill their own tasks.

Currently, the aviation services market has widespread short-term and medium-term contracts, the implementation of which requires the involvement of a large number of helicopters – for example, maintenance of construction facilities or the fuel and energy complex. To solve these problems, operators can lease helicopters for the required period without the obligation of the subsequent purchase of the machines. This option, along with other financial instruments, will be available for both domestic and foreign customers.

During 2022, it is planned to complete the creation of a joint venture and conclude contracts with pilot customers in Russia. The first deliveries in the interests of foreign operators are expected to begin in 2024, and by 2030 the fleet of the joint leasing venture should be 140 vehicles.

“Operating leasing is a new instrument for the sale of aviation equipment for Russia, which implies not only financial investments, but also the availability of competencies in the promotion and maintenance of helicopter equipment. By joining forces with PSB, we are becoming the pioneers of this direction in Russia, but the analysis of the comparative cost of Russian helicopters and their flying hour allows us to be confident that we will be competitive in the world market as well, “said Andrey Boginsky, General Director of the Russian Helicopters holding .

“PSB has been actively developing its business in the aviation leasing segment for the past few years – we have become one of the market leaders and have increased our portfolio dozens of times. Therefore, the decision to create a new enterprise with a leasing product that is completely unique for the Russian market is fully consistent with our strategic goals. There have always been high-priority projects to support the export of high-tech products of domestic production, therefore, the joint venture plans to actively enter international markets.We will continue to strengthen our positions in the aviation leasing market, thereby contributing to the further development of this sector in general and the expansion of domestic products abroad in particular “, – said Petr Fradkov, chairman of the PSB.

To secure leasing contracts, both the joint venture’s own funds and attracted bank financing will be used. In addition to Russia, the main target markets for this project will be the countries of Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, where Russian-made helicopters are traditionally in high demand. The joint venture fleet will include practically the entire line of modern Russian civilian helicopters: Ansat, Ka-62, Ka-32, Mi-8, Mi-171A2 / A3 and Mi-26. These helicopter models can be used for passenger transportation, sightseeing flights, medical evacuation, as well as search and rescue operations and patrolling territories.