Rostec Suggests Using Automobile Leasing Scheme to Renew Russian Helicopter Fleet

Rostec has suggested implementing the Government's idea to replace helicopters older than 25 years in Russia based on the leasing scheme. The measures can be supported by the state program facilitating purchase of new aircraft for air carriers. The suggestion was announced by Director of the Aviation Cluster of the state corporation Anatoly Serdyukov.

The Russian fleet of civilian helicopters numbers about 1,800 helicopters, over 60–70% of which have been operated for 25 years and longer. Most of those helicopters were put into operation as early as at the beginning of the post-soviet period, and a considerable part of the aircraft was purchased by air carriers in early 1990s. According to the aircraft register, the Russian fleet mostly consists of Mi-8 helicopters. Due to the long-standing need to replace a part of the Russian helicopter fleet, Rostec suggests measures that would facilitate purchase of new aircraft for air carriers.

“We are expecting that renewal of the helicopter fleet will be supported by the state program to facilitate purchase of new aircraft for air carriers, similar to the one implemented in the auto industry,” said Director of the Aviation Cluster of Rostec Anatoly Serdyukov. “A take-back program can be developed, and a leasing scheme may be used. For instance, an old helicopter will be taken in as the first payment, and an air carrier will receive a new helicopter in return.”

The Rostec Corporation's initiative on replacement of obsolete helicopters is primarily intended to improve flight safety. A life cycle of any aircraft ends over time. Therefore, manufacturers have to suggest new solutions in the market in order to make it easier for companies to purchase new helicopters.

“Our task is also to study the leasing scheme and the mechanism of lease payment compensation for buyers of new helicopters. The initiative should become a really attractive solution that would actually help air carriers to renew the helicopter fleet,” added Anatoly Serdyukov.