Boeing is studying the possibility of setting up a production capability in Russia, but says that the potential move is only one part of a much broader relationship being established with the country's airlines and aerospace companies.
"We are a global company and we are willing to consider global production and outsourcing, including major assembly," says Boeing sales director for Russia Kostya Zolotusky. "We have no agreement in place to do any production in Russia, but nothing can be ruled out. It is a possibility."
Zolotusky's comments follow reports that Boeing was considering setting up a Next Generation 737 production line in Russia in support of its bid to supply the twinjet to at least three airlines jointly considering the purchase of as many as 50 new "regional jets".
"The question is, does it make sense for Russia, or for us? The visibility from final assembly often looks glorious, but it's not often profitable and it's better to have an agreement covering parts assembly," says Zolotusky, who confirms that "-one of the current studies is an analysis to have a production capability".
Source: Flight International
