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$12 billion in deals inked at Moscow airshow
August 31, 2013, 6:54 am

More than 1,000 aviation companies participated in Moscow's MAKS airshow [Xinhua]

More than 1,000 aviation companies participated in Moscow’s MAKS airshow [Xinhua]

A number of Russian Aviation companies signed contracts worth over $12 billion during the first two days of the 2013 Moscow’s International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS).

The six-day event showcases the products of hundreds of aviation and aerospace manufacturers from 44 countries and regions and includes aerial demonstrations for industry experts and the public.

Russia’s state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport announced plans during the airshow to work with Italy’s Finmeccanica industrial group and the OMA SUD aircraft maker, as well as with the African nation of Cameroon to produce Mi-17 helicopters.

The Russian Aircraft Corporation, maker of the MiG fighter aircraft, announced at the MAKS show that it will establish a servicing centre for its jets in India, one of Moscow’s largest weapons purchasers.

A $43-million contract will cover the construction of a servicing centre in India for maintenance and repair of Zhuk-ME on-board radars.

Russian Aircraft Corporation also signed a $12-million deal to build a servicing center for modernized MiG-29UPG fighter in India.

Later this year, Russia will deliver six MiG-29K Fulcrum “generation 4++” fighters to Delhi as part of a 2010 contract for 29 planes worth $1.5 billion.

In the meantime, UTair, a commercial aviation company, ordered six long-range Superjets 100, worth $217.2 million, from Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co.

This coincides with a renewed drive of the Russian government to further develop the civilian sector of its aviation.

The 103-seat Sukhoi Superjets 100 are about to be integrated into Russia’s civilian aviation fleet, and Aeroflot has already made an order for 30 of such aircraft.

Ten of these have already been delivered to the company but will be swapped out for new modifications once produced.

The 11th MAKS held in Moscow region’s town of Zhukovsky, was opened to public visitors starting Friday.

MAKS is Russia’s largest aircraft show boasting the richest flight programme among its foreign peers, including the French Le Bourget and British Farnborough.

This year the show marks its 20th anniversary. It has been held every odd year since 1993.

By Daria Chernyshova in Moscow, Russia for The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies