Leadership Changes at UAC: Aiming for Efficiency in Civil Aviation
In a significant restructuring within the Russian aviation sector, Andrey Boginsky, CEO of PAO Yakovlev, and Konstantin Timofeev, managing director of JSC Tupolev, are stepping down from their positions as part of a strategic decision by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). This move is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of production in the civil aviation sector, particularly in light of the urgent need for import substitution and the rapid certification and production of domestic civil airliners.
The UAC announced that the management of Yakovlev will now fall under the direct oversight of Vadim Badekha, the newly appointed General Director of UAC. Badekha will also take on the leadership of Tupolev, while Alexander Bobryshev, previously in charge from 2009 to 2013, will return to lead Tupolev. This consolidation of leadership is expected to strengthen UAC's control over strategic aviation programs and ensure that resources are effectively allocated to meet the pressing demands of the civil aviation market.
Context and Implications of the Leadership Shake-Up
The decision to replace Boginsky and Timofeev comes amid reports of dissatisfaction regarding the progress of the civil aviation program, with sources indicating that Boginsky's departure was ordered by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin due to these failures. However, there are suggestions that Boginsky may transition to a government role, highlighting the fluid nature of leadership within the sector.
The recent changes follow the appointment of Vadim Badekha as CEO of UAC in early November, who succeeded Yuriy Slyusar. Slyusar has since taken on the role of acting governor of the Rostov region, indicating a broader reshuffling within Russian leadership.
As UAC pivots towards enhancing its civil aviation capabilities, flight tests of the Tu-214, equipped with new Russian components, have commenced, marking a critical step in the development of domestic aircraft. Prime Minister Mishustin emphasized the importance of modernizing the Russian air fleet with indigenous technologies, aiming for the certification and delivery of the flagship MS-21 by 2025. He also called for the expedited production of various domestic aircraft models, including the Superjet and Tu-214, to meet the needs of local airlines.
