Indo-Russia JV opens MRO for choppers

IN A bid to consolidate their position in the Indian aviation market, a Russian aviation firm has opened a service centre near the national capital which will offer services for all type of civil Russian- made choppers.

The Indo- Russian maintenance and repair venture, Integrated Helicopter Services Private Ltd ( IHSPL), established by Russian Helicopters with the help of Indian company Vectra Group has come- up with the facility in Greater Noida.

A large contingent of Russian aviation firms are here in India to take part in the Aero India 2011 international exhibition at Bangaluru, which starts from February 9. “ The service centre, IHSPL will offer maintenance and repair services for the Indian fleet of Russia made helicopters,” S. B. Prasher, chief executive officer ( CEO), IHSPL said.

"The opening of a service centre in India is a very important event for us," said Dmitry Petrov, CEO, Russian Helicopters.

"We are planning to make this centre one of the key elements of our support network for existing Russia- made rotorcraft and Mi and Kamov helicopters delivered in the future to India and South- East Asia as a whole." The plans of the Indo- Russian joint venture IHSPL envision that the service centre will become the stronghold for warranty service of Russia- made rotorcraft in India.

The centre will offer Indian operators and state aviation organisations after sale service, as well as scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs of any Mi and Kamov helicopters.