Perm expects to assemble 36 new PS-90 series engines and boost annual output to 100 within five years, says general director Valery Zheglov.
The Russian aeroengine manufacturer is a cornerstone of Russia's plan to modernise its aeroengine output through a major reorganisation of the industry (Flight International, 21-27 August). Russia's largest aircraft engine holdings group will unite Perm, NPO Saturn and Ufa MPO - the three had a combined production output of about Rb30 billion ($1.17 billion) last year.
Zeglov says Perm will lead the group: "We have the PS-90 series, which is the most advanced and best-selling Russian commercial engine. We also head the PS-12 effort [the primary powerplant for the proposed MS-21 airliner]. Hence, it makes sense to build the new holding around our business."
Perm has restored production of fighter engines following orders for new MiG-31 interceptors from Syria and Kazakhstan, as well as for the Russian air force MiG-31 mid-life upgrade programme and Zheglov says that Perm is again bidding for Russian defence ministry tenders.
However, in the proposed new holding group, NPO Saturn would continue as the centre of competence for fighter engines. "I think in the new structure Saturn would continue focusing on military programmes, while Perm would primarily address commercial engines," Zheglov says.
Meanwhile, Zheglov says he does not expect any difficulties over Iran Airtours' order for PS-90A2-powered Tupolev Tu-204s because of the involvement of US company United Technologies in the engine's development. "It was a commercial project, not involving transition of critical US technologies. I hope the commercial considerations will prevail over political ambitions", he says.
Source: Flight International