Russia-China to jointly develop new airliner
August 21, 2013, 5:12 pm

Global giants like Boeing and Airbus account for 80 per cent of Russia’s long-range passenger air fleet [Getty Images]

He admitted that a joint venture with China is essential for the project to be financially viable.

“It is more profitable to produce the plane together with China – if we make it alone and for ourselves only, the edition will be limited and thus unprofitable,” Rogozin said.

“In the nearest time we will hold a meeting with the engineers in this field – that is Tupolev and Ilushin design engineering bureaus, as well as Myasishev and design bureau that works on experimental aviation,” Rogozin added.

The two countries are also working on a second joint project in the aviation sector– the construction of a heavy-lift helicopter Mi-26 that is being described as the largest and the most powerful helicopter ever to be produced.

According to Denis Manturov, Russian deputy industry and trade minister, Moscow and Beijing will also cooperate in manufacturing aircraft engines.

Russian Helicopters – Russia’s only rotorcraft designer and manufacturer of civilian and military helicopters, has already expanded its presence in the fast-growing markets of India and China.

Russia is also considering a Chinese partnership in the construction of the “super dockyard” that Moscow plans to build in the city of Bolshoy Kamen in Primorsky krai.

“Russia’s shipbuilding industry is currently choosing a strategic partner for this project. And while before one of the South Korean companies was an absolute leader, now we want to work this question out with the Chinese partners,” Rogozin said.

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