Bombardier has given formal approval to Russian maintenance specialist Tulpar Technik to provide technical support for its aircraft types in the country.
Michael McAdoo, Bombardier vice-president international sales, last week inspected the company's facility in Kazan and met with its management and personnel.
He says eight Russian MRO providers had sought to gain approval to maintain the growing number of Bombardier aircraft in service with local operators. This was whittled down to a shortlist of three, which included the eventual winner.
According to McAdoo, there are more than 100 Bombardier aircraft, including CRJ200s and business jets, used by Russian customers.
Kazan-based Ak Bars Aero has nine leased CRJ200s with a further twelve scheduled for delivery, while charter carrier Tulpar Air, affiliated with Tulpar Technik, has operated Bombardier corporate aircraft types since 2007.
Azat Khakim, Tulpar Group chairman, says its interior refurbishment division also expects to receive the manufacturer's approval to perform passenger cabin fit-outs on Bombardier types.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
