Eurocopter and EADS have signed an agreement with Kazakhstan’s wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna to create a public-private joint venture in Kazakhstan to develop helicopter operations.

Under the joint venture, Eurocopter and EADS will transfer skills and know-how to local partners to develop a fully integrated and independent helicopter service industry in Kazakhstan.

An agreement was also signed with a local operator to open the first Eurocopter certified maintenance centre in Kazakhstan, which will serve the Almaty region.

The project was launched as part of the strategic partnership agreement signed between France and Kazakhstan.