July 20, 2010, Farnborough, U.K. - Viking Air and Vityaz Avia Corporation of Moscow, Russia have entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding for the potential development of a Twin Otter
Series 400 final assembly facility in eastern Russia.
Viking would be instrumental in the development of the
aircraft final assembly facility, establishing quality, maintenance, and
training procedures for Vityaz management, helping to springboard the Twin
Otter Series 400 into the developing market. The facility would also potentially become a Factory Endorsed
Service Centre ("FESC") and Series 400 training facility once the type has been
introduced in the territory.
In 2009, Vityaz Avia Corporation was announced as the
Series 400 Sales Representative for Russia, with the purchase of two Twin Otter
Series 400 commuter configured aircraft for use as demonstrator models, making
Vityaz the first Twin Otter operator in the country. Subsequent to the sales agreement, Viking will work with
Vityaz to secure Russian Interstate Aviation Committee ("IAC") Type Certificate
for the Series 400 Twin Otter.
Robert Mauracher, Viking vice president Business
Development and general manager MRO, stated that "there is enormous untapped
potential in the Russian market for the versatile Twin Otter Series 400, and we
are excited about this opportunity to have such a capable and enthusiastic
partner such as Vityaz to represent Viking in the country."
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