Anatoly Serdyukov, aviation cluster director of Russian Helicopters' parent company Rostec, has suggested implementing the Russian government's desire to replace helicopters in the domestic fleet that are older than 25 years through a leasing scheme. The measures would be supported by a state programme facilitating the purchase of new aircraft for air carriers.

Over 60 per cent of the 1,800 strong Russian fleet has been in operation for 25 years and longer, most dating from as early as the beginning of the post-soviet period, and a considerable number was purchased by air carriers in the early 1990s. The majority are Mi-8s according to the aircraft register, and Rostec is looking at measures that would facilitate the purchase of new aircraft.

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