Russia launches pilot project to improve chopper maintenance

In a bid to fast-track the serviceability of the over 400 Russian helicopters in India, Moscow has initiated a pilot project here offering a "single-window system".
Russian Helicopters, part of state corporation Rostec, has come up with this new form of cooperation with foreign customers based on a new after-sales service strategy.
In addition, a life cycle management for production will be introduced. The pilot project is currently being implemented in India.
The new format focuses on centralisation of all the processes related to after-sales services, and is the first step in providing integrated support and transitioning to helicopter service contracts covering their entire life cycle, a statement by Rostec said.

Once the system is implemented, the operators will be able to avoid negotiating with hundreds of parts manufacturers as they will have the "single window" to obtain the entire range of after-sales services for the Russian made helicopters.
The system will not only significantly ease the process of setting up a maintenance and repair mechanism for the operators, but will also reduce time to provide such services. In addition, the operators will get spare parts and services certified by Russian Helicopters, the statement added.

Russian Helicopters, which designs and manufactures rotorcraft, intends to utilise the existing cooperation with other Russian companies taking part in helicopter manufacturing to ensure operability throughout the life span of the machines.

"For us, it is important to provide timely and quality service for Russian helicopters in India, which has traditionally been considered a special strategic partner of ours. More than 400 Russian-made helicopters are registered and operated here, most of which are for military purpose.
"We are sure that the new single-window format of helicopter service will allow us to strengthen our position in India," said Rostec Head of International Cooperation Viktor Kladov.
As part of the single-window system, the holding company and parts suppliers of the Russian-made helicopters will develop a complete structure of services for foreign operators, he added.

"We will implement these acquired best practices into the global after-sales system of Russian Helicopters. The single-window system will improve the quality of service to beat foreign competitors," Kladov said.