S7 Technics is to construct a new aircraft maintenance centre at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg.

The company, which is part of the S7 Group, has signed an investment agreement with the government of St. Petersburg and Pulkovo Airport to that effect, within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Work to be performed at the centre will include base maintenance (D check inclusive), line maintenance, structural repairs, engineering support, EASA Part-21 J modifications and production of aircraft interior elements in accordance with the requirements of EASA Part-21 G.

“In Russia, there are not enough aircraft MRO centres, even in the pandemic period, we see a high demand for base maintenance from Russian airlines,” explained S7 Technics’ CEO Vladimir Perekrestov.

“After the restoration of air traffic, we expect a steady growth of Russian and global market customers. Of course, European low-cost airlines that plan flights to St. Petersburg are our potential customers, since they do not have their own MRO centres for base maintenance.

“The advantage here will also be the current ‘open sky’ mode in Pulkovo. For us, the new MRO centre is a comprehensive project that will help develop the airport’s infrastructure and whole aviation industry. We plan to invest more than 3 billion rubles from S7 Technics’ funds, without attracting external investments.”

Perekrestov noted that the aircraft maintenance centre, in a total area of approximately 12,000sq m, would be S7 Technics’ fourth. It will be able to serve A320 family and 737 aircraft of all generations, as well as Sukhoi Superjet 100s and MC-21s.

“We plan to carry out 35-40 heavy maintenance checks (C and D check) and about 200 line maintenance checks (A check) per year,” he added.

Construction will begin in 2023, with the new MRO centre expected to be fully completed by 2025.

As part of the project, S7 Technics has signed a contract with the State University of Aerospace Instrumentation (SUAI). SUAI students studying the technical operation of aircraft and engines will be able to practice in the new MRO centre, with the possibility of further employment.