GE Aviation Czech and United Engine Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore turboprop engine business opportunities and identify areas of synergy for developing a turboprop portfolio in the Russian market.

The agreement was described as an important step in the process of enhancing Czech-Russian aviation cooperation.

The U.S. Group's presence in the Czech Republic stems from its acquisition of certain assets of Czech turboprop builder Walter Aircraft Engines in 2008. In 2016, GE Aviation announced that the Czech Republic had been selected as the location for GE's new Turboprop Center of Excellence (CoE).

GE believes that its H Series turboprop (based on the Walter M601), which has three models that vary from 550 to 850 horsepower, is well suited to the most severe environments and remote areas of Russia, such as Siberia and the Far East. The H Series is designed for commuter, agricultural, business turboprops and utility aircraft.

Alexander Grachev, deputy director of general sales and services at United Engine Corporation, said the company was ready to provide the necessary support to GE Aviation Czech in the field of turboprop engines market study.

In related news, Ural Works of Civil Aviation (UWCA) — part of United Engine Corporation — has signed an agreement with GE Aviation to become an H Series Authorized Service Center. UGZA will provide MRO services including line maintenance, training and on-wing heavy repairs on GE H Series turboprop engines from their home location.

UWCA and GE Aviation Czech said they plan to build synergies across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) turboprop market. The two companies will partner in extending localized, on-site heavy repair capabilities including test cells to develop a first overhaul service center for GE tuboprop engines in the region.