Rosneft, Rostec and Finmeccanica to establish joint venture for AW189 production in Russia

Rosneft, Rostec and Finmeccanica have agreed to establish a joint venture (JV) in Russia to produce twin-engine, medium-lift AgustaWestland AW189 helicopters in the country.

Planned to be based at the HeliVert plant in the Moscow region, the JV will be managed by Russian Helicopters, AgustaWestland and Rosneft.

Localisation of AW189 production is planned to be carried out in stages and assembly, supplies, after-sales service and training will also be performed as part of the trilateral agreement.

Rosneft will become the first customer for AW189 helicopters produced through the JV.

Rosneft head Igor Sechin said: "Offshore projects development is a strategic priority for Rosneft.

"It is impossible to accomplish this mission without state-of-the-art arctic and marine equipment, oil and gas rigs, modern aeronautical engineering."

HeliVert is expected to sell and deliver up to 160 AW189 helicopters to Rosneft by 2025.

Weighing 8.3t, the AW189 is designed for offshore transport and search-and-rescue missions, as well as for transportation carriage, passenger transportation and other shipping operations. It has a maximum cruise speed of 287kmph, flying range of 1,111km and can accommodate 16 people.

Under an exclusive license agreement, the JV will be able to produce such helicopters and distribute them in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said: "The production of AW189 in Russia will create large opportunities for the continuation of our successful cooperation with our Italian partners, Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland.

"The participation of the leader of the Russian oil industry, Rosneft, in our project can give a new boost to the development of the joint venture and production expansion."

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Image: Officials of Rosneft, Rostec and Finmeccanica at the signing of the joint venture agreement. Photo: courtesy of Rosneft.