GE Aviation’s Czech Republic-based subsidiary has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Engine (UEC) to explore new business opportunities and synergy serving the Russian turboprop engine market.

The collaboration is expected to be benefited from the wide and remote Russian territory, which is considered as a good environment for turboprop aircraft.

Turboprop aircraft are capable of operating out of small landing fields and their operators can save cost from the aircraft’s lower fuel consumption levels on shorter flights.

“The reliable, robust and easy-maintenance design of GE H-Series engines target the most severe environments and remote areas of Russia such as Siberia and the Far East.”

GE Aviation Business and General Aviation turboprops president and managing executive Michele D’Ercole said: “The reliable, robust and easy-maintenance design of GE H-Series engines target the most severe environments and remote areas of Russia such as Siberia and the Far East.

“With a strong turboprop technology footprint and localised turboprop services in Russia, GE turboprops address market needs, serving customers all across the vast Russian territory in commuter and business regional transport, utility and training aircrafts.”

GE has so far manufactured thousands of turboprop engines to power various applications across six continents, including Russia since the 1970s.

The company’s latest line of H-Series turboprop engines has three models that range from 550hp to 850hp capacities.

United Engine general sales and services deputy director Alexander Grachev said: “UEC as a leading company in Russia dealing with gas-turbine development is ready to provide the necessary support to GE Aviation Czech in the field of turboprop engines market study.”

The company is specialised in the development, production and servicing of gas turbine machinery for civil and military aircraft, helicopters, power generation plants, spacecraft and ships.