Rostec seeking foreign partners for a turboprop JV

Rostec Corporation is in talks with Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier over the possibility of setting up Q400 regional airliner production in Russia, but may also approach other turboprop makers.

"Q400 is attractive for several reasons," says Aleksei Fyodorov, Rostec managing director for aviation projects. "It can carry up to 80 passengers, which is more than the competition has to offer. We are observing a growth in the size of turboprop aircraft, particularly high-speed ones, and the Q400 is a high-speed airliner: it can travel at 670 km/h. Another reason is that this aircraft meets the requirements of the Canadian aviation authorities, including with regard to low operating temperatures, anti-icing systems, etc. We know that the Canadian climate largely resembles that in Russia. Yakutia Airlines has begun operating aircraft of this type and we will be able to see for ourselves how well they perform in Russia."

At the same time, Fyodorov says, partnership possibilities with other turboprop manufacturers are not ruled out: "We will keep looking at other possibilities until a decision is made [on our cooperation with] Bombardier."