Russia plans bigger presence on helicopter market
Published 16 June, 2009, 09:54
Russia wants a bigger slice of the helicopter market and has been rolling out its latest models for the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget.
A rich Russian test-piloted the latest American helicopter at the show, and agreed to buy it – it's only 5 million dollars, after all. The businessman asked not to be named, but says this is no time to be patriotic.
“I've flown in many choppers, but this is something else. Its equipment, maneuverability: it's all fantastic. Russia doesn't make anything of this class,” he believes.
America, along with Europe, dominates the market. They have a reputation for supreme quality. However, Russian producers have now started to fight back. The government has united them into Russian Helicopters, and forked out millions of dollars to improve their range.
The group’s head, Andrey Shibitov, says they're now not just better on price, but on quality too:
“We're no longer half the price of American helicopters, more like 15-20 per cent less. But technologically we're now just as good.”
Russia's military helicopters, where cost and durability are key, have long held a world-class reputation. In fact the U.S army is buying dozens to send into Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.
But real sales growth is coming in non-military markets – for emergency services, business and personal use. Within six years, Russia has set a target of tripling its world market share to 15 per cent.
More on the story: World's smallest helicopter tested in Moscow
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