Tatarstan ready to build airplanes for Americans

Prospects for cooperation in the field of aircraft construction were discussed on August 14 in the Kazan Kremlin at the meeting of RT President Mintimer Shaimiev with representatives of the KASKOL group (Moscow) and American consulting company "McKinsey".

The meeting was held within the framework of realization of the Agreement on cooperation concluded in March by the KASKOL group and RT Ministry of Economy and Industry. The document is intended to use successful experience of the company on re-structuring and introduction in Tatarstan of new management and information technologies. The activity of the company is mainly directed at aircraft building enterprises with considerable industrial potential. "McKinsey" - KASKOL's business partner is interested practically in all industries, and also trade and bank spheres. The first step towards cooperation with Tatarstan, in opinion of the representatives of both companies, may be the project "Load Master" - production at Gorbunov's KAPO of a small freight airplane for the needs of the American company "Federal express" engaged in international mail transportation. The company is holding a tender with participation of two American and one Israeli firm. In case of victory the guaranteed order will be 100 aircraft, and marketing order may reach 400 airplanes.

After visiting Gorbunov's KAPO, the representatives of the Russian and American companies shared their impressions about the factory - generally, very good. If KAPO scores the tender, it will be quite possible to establish here the entire airplane production cycle that has no world analogs. In three years, including development stages and certification, first "mail plane" with carrying capacity of 4 tons will be able to "come up to the wings". Successful realization of the project would allow Tatarstan to master its niche, and enter the global airmarket within the framework of international cooperation.