Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, is actively developing a “single-window” format for after-sales services. The concept is aimed at building strategic relationships with helicopter operators and implies long-term agreements and transition to a service format that covers the whole helicopter life cycle.
Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky described the concept at the Indo-Russian military industrial conference in New Delhi on 17th and 18th March. At the conference, Boginsky talked about key directions and prospects for development of the after-sales service system specifically for Indian operators of Russian helicopters.
India is one of the major operators of Russian-made helicopters. Currently, there are more than 400 helicopters in operation there, which is almost 10% of the Russian Helicopters’ global fleet outside Russia. Hence the importance of efficient after-sales services in India.
Boginsky suggested shifting to long-term framework contracts with fixed procurement prices, defined annual increases and maximum delivery timeframes/service windows of 3-5 years. He noted that this would reduce times needed to supply spare parts and provide services, thus ensuring high operability of the Indian helicopter fleet.
Currently, as part of the “Make in India” initiative, a joint Russo-Indian project is underway to build Ka-226T light helicopters in India and Russia. A JV created by Russian Helicopters, JSC Rosoboronexport and India’s HAL Corporation will produce 200 light multirole Ka-226T for various purposes. Russian Helicopters is seeking active involvement of Indian companies in the production of spare parts, as well as technical maintenance and repairs.