Former head of KRET Concern Radioelectronic Technologies Joint Stock Company Nikolai Kolesov has taken over as CEO of Russian Helicopters. He replaces Andrey Boginsky, who has held this post since 2017 and who is now moving to the United Aircraft Corporation as deputy general director for civil aviation/general director of the Irkut Corporation.

The personnel rotation is intended to strengthen the work of the aircraft manufacturing companies in priority areas. Russian Helicopters is currently facing large-scale tasks related to the development of civil aviation programmes and the promotion of new types of aircraft to the markets. In particular, the company is completing certification of the Ka-62 helicopter, has begun flight tests of the upgraded Ka-226T and is preparing to start flight tests of the newest offshore Mi-171A3.

“Today the company is one of the leaders in the global helicopter industry, and we are faced with serious tasks to further strengthen these positions," says Kolesov. "I would like to thank the previous management for their contribution to the development of the company; to date, a significant portfolio of firm orders for 525 helicopters has been formed, there has been fulfilment of obligations under existing contracts, as well as the continuation of a number of important development works in the civilian segment."

Kolesov has headed the Concern Radioelectronic Technologies since 2009. Under his leadership, Concern became a leading developer and manufacturer in the field of avionics for all types of aircraft. More than 850 samples of electronic warfare aircraft were produced, including helicopter-based ones, electronic countermeasures for the protection of aircraft and helicopters. In addition, KRET produces civilian electronics, including electric charging stations and medical equipment. Over 11 years, the output of civilian products has increased more than 20 times from 2.3 billion rubles in 2009 to 47.4 billion rubles in 2020.

Andrey Boginsky has headed Russian Helicopters since 2017, during which time the OEM implemented a number of promising civilian projects and achieved record sales of civilian equipment, increasing its share in the total supply volume from 8.4 per cent in 2016 to 46 per cent at the end of 2020. The company retained its profitability amid the global decline in the helicopter market and ranks second in the world in terms of deliveries over the past five years.