OREANDA-NEWS. VTB Bank has become the general sponsor of the MAKS-2015 international aviation and space salon, which takes place from 25–30 August in Zhukovsky outside Moscow. The bank’s interest in the event stems from its policy of supporting Russia’s high-tech industries, and the aerospace industry in particular.

MAKS-2015 will be attended by 740 Russian and international companies, representatives of government agencies and other organisations from 30 countries.

VTB currently works with leading figures in the Russian aerospace industry, including United Aircraft Corporation, United Engine Corporation, Russian Helicopters, Progress Space Rocket Centre, Academician Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems, the Centre for the Operation of Space Ground-based Infrastructure (TsENKI) and other major companies.

Hundreds of billions of roubles have been provided as loans to this industry. These funds are used to finance the companies’ operations, their work under state and export contracts, modernisation and retooling, and launching new products.

"VTB has been involved in the Zhukovsky airshow for years, including as the event’s general sponsor," said Valery Lukyanenko, member of VTB Bank Management Board. "Russian defence companies have long been the driving force of many research-intensive and innovative sectors of the economy. The resulting projects have been applied successfully for civilian purposes. I am confident that VTB Group’s cooperation with the aerospace industry will help Russia remain among world leaders in this market".