Russian Helicopters Awarded Quality Management System Certification

Moscow, Russia / 21 March 2012 – Russian Helicopters was today awarded quality management system (QMS) certification at a ceremony at the company's headquarters in Moscow.

The QMS has been introduced at the company's facilities over the past two years. In December 2011, the Institute for Testing and Certification of Armaments and Military Equipment (ATCAME) conducted an audit of the QMS to Russian defence standard GOST RV 15.002-2003, including GOST R ISO 9001 and international aerospace engineering standard AS/EN 9100? in the Military Register voluntary certification system.

The certification was awarded by ATCAME general director Igor Zhivotkevich, who also made a number of recommendations for the effectiveness of the QMS.

Russian Helicopters CEO Dmitry Petrov said that successful certification was extremely important to strengthening the company's reputation, and noted in particular the role of the QMS in the management of the helicopter-building group and improving product quality. He also updated those present on the company's plans to improve the QMS in future.

Russian Helicopters has a QMS Improvement Plan for all of its companies. The group management believes that having a QMS meeting standards AS 9100/EN 9100?(GOST R EN 9100-2011) is of fundamental importance to the development and production of helicopters and helicopter components.

Russian Helicopters has a QMS that enables it to meet its goals, including strategic targets and operational management to adopt corrective and preventive actions.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia.  Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow.  The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world.  Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide.  Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007.  In 2010 its IFRS revenues reached $2.2 billion, and deliveries reached 214 units.  At the end of 2011 the Russian Helicopters business was estimated at $3.9 billion.  

Partners of Russian Helicopters:  AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (repair of helicopter engines and components, as well as gearboxes). 

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002.  It is a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation.  Its main tasks include: helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters, JSC) and engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).