MOSCOW-based Russian Helicopters is looking at delivering up to 15 helicopters to Malaysia in the next three years, simultaneously building its market share domestically from 2% to 4%, going forward.

Its director-general, Andrew Boginsky, said Malaysian state authorities alongside other Southeast Asian countries have demonstrated genuine interest in the company’s helicopters.

Painting a rosy outlook for Russian Helicopters in the region, he said Malaysia had always been the company’s traditional partner, especially for Russian machineries and vehicles.

Boginsky was speaking to reporters after launching two new helicopter models, the Mi-171A2 and Ansat, in Sepang today.

Asked to elaborate on Russian Helicopters’ plans in the domestic market, he said that the company was open to collaboration with local partners, especially in the area of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), depending on the situation and market needs.

Malaysia was the last leg of the Russian Helicopters’ demonstration tour across Asia, which started in Zhuhai, China, followed by Hanoi (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Bangkok (Thailand).

Trade between Malaysia and Russia stood at US$2.2 billion (RM9.2 billion) as at December last year, 55% of which accounted for oil and gas related products, 20% for fertilisers, and the balance for consumer goods and electronic components.

This year, trade between both countries saw a significant increase of over 60% in the first eight months.

The company aims to deliver between 70 helicopters and 80 helicopters in the SEA market in three years, adding to the current 200 helicopters supplied in the region.

“We see the market share improving from the current 2% to between 5% and 7% in the next five to seven years. Demand for helicopters would be driven by emergency medical services and search-and-rescue missions,” he said.

Boginsky said that demand for civilian helicopters in SEA may amount to 420 helicopters in the next 10 years, hence the demo tour as part of Russian Helicopters’ strategy to carve out a market for itself. – Bernama, December 3, 2018.