Daher taps Simavia for TBM distribution in Russia

Daher’s latest single-engine turboprop, the TBM 930 debuted in Russia this year (Photo by Daher)

Despite softening market for new general aviation and corporate aircraft in Russia, Western OEMs remain confident of the region’s potential and continue their search for local partners. The most recent example is the French manufacturer Daher, which inked a distribution agreement with Krasnodar-based Simavia. According to Daher, its choice is explained by the Russian company’s “extensive experience in services to business aviation.”

Simavia will be responsible for promoting and selling the TBM-series aircraft in Russia, including the newest single-engine turboprop TBM 930. The aircraft debuted in Russia this year at an air show in Krasnodar region, organized by Simavia.

“We are striving to foster development of all segments of general aviation and business aviation in Russia. So we are streamlining our efforts is promoting the culture of owning a private aircraft in Russia. TBM-series aircraft are fully in line with this strategy,” a spokesperson for Simavia explained.

Daher, in its turn claims there is a market for its aircraft in Russia, particularly in remote regions and communities. According to the manufacturer, TBM aircraft are fast, inexpensive in terms of operations and capable of taking off short strips. TBM 850 got Russian and the CIS-wide certificate in 2012, but the airframer hasn’t reported about any deliveries in this region.

Apart from selling aircraft, Simavia specializes in maintenance, staff training and brokering private charter flights. It is also the official dealer of Piper Aircraft in Russia.