Airbus has certified the first distributor of its helicopters in Russia. It is the Gorka Business Aviation Centre, which will now be able to offer Russian customers Airbus' single-engine H125 and H130 and twin-engine H135 and H145 civilian helicopters. The ceremony presenting the certificate was held recently as part of the HeliRussia 2021 international exhibition at Crocus Expo in Moscow.

As the operator of Gorka heliport, based outside Moscow, Gorka Business Aviation Centre offers its clients a full range of services including aircraft delivery, customs clearance, registration, receipt of SLG, storage, entry onto an operator's certificate, revision, operational and periodic maintenance.

“We are delighted to become the first distributor of Airbus Helicopters in Russia,” enthuses Pavel Trofimovich Karjakin, owner and general director of the Gorka Business Aviation Centre and heliport. “The infrastructure and business processes of Gorka comply with international standards and will allow for the demonstration of high quality service to Airbus customers. Today we are witnessing the transformation of the Russian helicopter market. Aircraft owners and operators are increasingly demanding high quality purchased products and services, with particular emphasis on business transparency. Airbus' approval confirms our company's compliance with high European standards. However, I understand that this is only the beginning of the journey, and we are serious about the further development of the Gorka group of companies in order to meet the expectations of partners and customers."

Dmitry Perepelkin, head of the Airbus helicopter division in Russia, adds: “It took us a long time to announce the certification of the first distributor of Airbus Helicopters in Russia, because in order to get the right to distribute on our behalf, partners must meet the strict standards of the group. The opening of the first distribution centre will simplify many tasks for customers on the local market; finally, those wishing to purchase a helicopter will have the opportunity to purchase, store and service a helicopter in one place.”

In addition to simplifying procedures for the customer, one of the advantages of local distributors is the ability to pre-order slots for the delivery of helicopters and effectively deal with deferred demand. Not all customers are ready to plan a purchase a year in advance and wait for a new helicopter, so they opt for equipment from the secondary market. A distributor, however, can order a helicopter in advance and offer a product to customers ‘in season’.

It is planned that by the end of 2021 Gorka will also be certified as an Airbus Helicopters service centre.