Bombardier may launch the production of Q400 aircraft at Samara-based Aviakor

The representatives of Bombardier have already discussed these plans with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. «This refers to production of regional Q-400 turboprops in Russia, — Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Yuri Slusar, said. At that, we have discussed not only assembly of aircraft but also production of some components (for example, some parts of the wing) for Bombardier».

The ministry hopes to attract new technologies in the network of Russian aircraft industry. VEB may support the production and the government plans to support the technical re-equipping of Aviakor (within the framework of government decree number 91) as a consequence the market may receive about 20 new aircraft per year — that is how the Deputy Minister explained the logic of this project. «Q-400 aircraft assembled in Russia must have more preferences than the ones assembled in foreign countries. ThepotentialcustomersareRussianairlines», — hesaid.

«The government’s interest in such projects is understandable: there is an urgent need for recovery of Russian market of regional air transportation, — said the head of Bombardier’s representative office in Russia, Sergey Ermolaev. — But we have not received any concrete proposals yet».

Ermolaev acknowledged that Bombardier may be interested in localization of the production in Russia in terms of optimization of expenses. The company has an experience in the area of localization of production (for example, in China and Mexico), however, the forms of cooperation are different. According to Slusar, the possibility of establishing the joint venture with Bombardier has been discussed. At that United Aircraft Corporation may also participate in the project.

Source: Ruaviation

Photo: Bombardier