Nikolay Kolesov Appointed as Head of Russian Helicopters

Nikolay Kolesov, former head of Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, has become a Director General of Russian Helicopters holding. Andrei Boginsky, who has held this position since 2017, transferred to the United Aircraft Corporation as the Deputy Director General for Civil Aviation and as the Director General of the Irkut Corporation.

The purpose of this rotation is to strengthen both aircraft building companies in their priority areas. Russian Helicopters is currently developing large-scale civil aviation programs and promoting new types of rotorcraft on the markets. In particular, the holding is in the process of getting type certificate for the Ka-62 helicopter. It also started flight tests of the upgraded Ka-226T and will soon commence flight tests of the newest “offshore” Mi-171A3.

“The holding is now one of the global leaders in the helicopter industry. In order to strengthen its positions, we have to complete numerous ambitious tasks. I would like to thank the previous management for their contribution to the company’s development — by now, the holding has accumulated a significant portfolio of firm orders for 525 helicopters. We must ensure that the existing contracts are unconditionally fulfilled, and proceed with several important rotorcraft development projects for the civil segment,” stated Nikolay Kolesov.

Nikolay Kolesov has been the head of Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies since 2009. Under his leadership, the Concern became the leading developer and manufacturer of avionics equipment for all types of aircraft. More than 850 items of aviation electronic warfare equipment were produced, including helicopter-based ones, as well as electronic countermeasures systems for planes and helicopters. Moreover, the Concern produces civilian electronics, including electric charging stations, medical equipment, etc. In 11 years, the company’s output of civilian products has increased more than 20-fold, from 2.3 billion rubles in 2009 to 47.4 billion rubles in 2020.

Andrei Boginsky has been the head of Russian Helicopters since 2017. Under his leadership, the holding has implemented a number of promising civilian projects and achieved record sales of civil rotorcraft, increasing its share in total sales volume from 8.4% in 2016 to 46% in 2020. The holding has remained profitable in unfavorable market conditions against the background of global decline of the helicopter market. Moreover, it now ranks second in the world in terms of total sales volume over the past 5 years.