Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland sign JV agreement

Russian Helicopters (subsidiary of JSC UIC Oboronprom, part of Russian Technologies State Corporation) and AgustaWestland have announced the signing of the final agreements for the firm establishment of HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland “equal” joint venture. HeliVert is intended to set up and run a final assembly line plant for the civil AW139 medium twin helicopter in Russia.

The assembly line is being built on a site in Tomilino, Moscow region, and is expected to be opened this summer with assembly activities starting by the end of the year. The plant is planned to assemble up to 15 AW139s per year. The assembly line will meet requirements of the civil markets in Russia and CIS countries.

Bruno Spagnolini, chief executive officer, AgustaWestland said “We are happy to have come to this latest stage of our strategic partnership which paves the path for a bright future of industrial collaboration with Russian Helicopters through the best selling medium twin helicopter in the world market. We are confident the AW139 will prove capable to meet a range of requirements in the Russian and CIS civil markets for years to come and we are committed to guaranteeing the best support to our customers.” Dmitry Petrov, chief executive officer, Russian Helicopters, JSC said “In this highly effective partnership we expect to gain mutual technological and market benefits exchanging production culture and experience to deliver one of the best helicopter products to Russia and CIS.”