“Russia is a strategic country for us”

Safran Group’s bet on industrial cooperation with Russia, which started with the development of SaM-146 engine jointly with NPO Saturn is further advanced with Turbomeca’s close partnership with the Russian Helicopters. Olivier Andries, Turbomeca’s CEO tells Show Observer that the company is confident enough to take that relationship to a new level.

Mr Andries, are you satisfied with the way Turbomeca business is evolving in Russia?

— As we speak, there are 200 Turbomeca engines in operation in Russia, mainly they equip Airbus Helicopters models, with Equreuil being the most successful one (accounting for about 70% of the engine fleet). This is about 2.5 times more than three years ago: in 2011 there were only 80. We expect an increase of Turbomeca fleet in Russia with the entrance into service of Russian Helicopters models, Kamov Ka-226 and Ka-62. 

Russia is a strategic country for us for two reasons. Reason one, there’s a wide helicopter market, both military and commercial. The second reason is that we consider Russian Helicopters as one of the largest global players with deep competences and a sound strategy. Our view is that its market share is going to grow in the next 20 years. We attach a lot of value and are very satisfied with our partnership, which started five years ago. We are in deep and transparent discussions on future developments, and we are sure that the Russian Helicopters has the means, the willingness and the capability to develop worldwide. We are thrilled to accompany them.