OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters plans to venture into a new business on the African continent, where about 600 Russian-made helicopters are in use.

The helicopter holding in partnership with South African aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul company Denel Aviation has opened maintenance and repair facility for Mi-8/17 and Ka-32 helicopters in Johannesburg, Denel Aviation CEO Michael Kgobe said. 

Denel Aviation will perform service and maintenance of helicopters, while Russian Helicopters will provide spare parts, documentation, and train workers. Kgobe did not disclose the amount of investment in the facility, saying that it was modest.

The facility has already concluded contracts for maintenance of five helicopters. It is expected to service at least half of 600 Russian-made helicopters and resolve the problem with counterfeit spare parts, Kgobe said.