"International Rotorcraft Services" to offer technical support for Russian-made helicopter fleet in the Middle East

United Arab Emirates, Dubai - Tuesday 17 November 2009: Airfreight Aviation Ltd., Sharjah Airport Free Zone based company and Russian Helicopters, JSC announced today the formation of a joint venture company "International Rotorcraft Services" (IRS). IRS   major capabilities include, overhaul, quality maintenance and repair services, airworthiness support and optimization of the fleet operating costs, modernization, upgrade, field team support, components repair and spare parts provision for Russian-made helicopters in the Middle East region.

The first announcement was made at the First International Regional Conference "New Approaches to Aftersale Service and Maintenance of Mi Helicopters". The conference was organized by Airfreight Aviation and Russian Helicopters during the Dubai Air Show.

 "We are very proud to partner with Russian Helicopters which is one of the leaders in the global helicopter market. We are very keen to boost the operations efficiency of local operators Russian-made helicopters and to have their fleet ready for any mission at any time," said Sergey Krapivtsev, President, Airfreight Aviation Ltd.

"We at Russian Helicopters are establishing multiple joint ventures and cooperating tightly with local service centres to maintain and modernize Russian-made helicopters in many countries worldwide. This helps to avoid the need to transfer helicopters to Russia for maintenance and goes in line with company efforts to cut its partners' expenses. Servicing Russian-made helicopters is becoming easier and more affordable everywhere," said Andrey Shibitov, General Director, Russian Helicopters.

International Rotorcraft Services has the knowledge and experience that guarantees quality of maintenance and repair services, leading airworthiness support, and optimisation of operating costs.

Major goals of International Rotorcraft Services include creation of a modern aftersales service network in line with leading global standards while offering quality aftersales service of Mi and Ka helicopters in the region. International Rotorcraft Services introduces and implements subscription-based technical support and provides material and technical support of local operators. It will also connect rotorcraft design/construction/sales companies with operators and will support the spare parts order/delivery system.

International Rotorcraft Services offers modern solutions and services including overhaul, modernisation and installation of additional equipment at customer's request, subscription-based service, parts delivery, components repair.

Wherever your helicopters are, International Rotorcraft Services will make sure your operations are safe and effective.

-Ends-

Airfreight Aviation Ltd is a Sharjah Airport Free Zone based, UAE, company, established in 2000 and dedicated to providing our customers with quality Mi-8/ 17 aircraft overhaul, spare parts procurement and aircraft sales support. With many years of experience in organizing repair and overhaul and maintenance of aircraft and accessories, AAL is able to provide its customers with the professional service and expertise they require. AAL also provides component sales and exchanges to support urgent requirements.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is an affiliated company of UIC Oboronprom. It is the managing body of the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company (VSK).

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. Its main tasks include helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters managing company), engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company), air defense systems and complex electronic systems (Defense Systems holding company), and other machine-building activities. The companies of the group reported revenues of over 100 billion roubles in 2008.

For more information please contact:
Anna Andryushenkova
Business Development Manager
Tel: +971 6 5570713
Fax +971 6 5570714
Mob +971 50 2072192
Email: aal_com@eim.ae

© Press Release 2009