General Electric to Cooperate with Antonov Plane Manufacturer and Ukrainian Railways

American corporation General Electric signed Memorandums Of Understanding with state-owned plane manufacturer Antonov and PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia [En: Ukrainian Railways] on Thursday, July 21, Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan said, Interfax Ukraine reports.

"This is not a random decision: we took a long time to evaluate the positions of all players in the global market. We understand that GE is the number one company in the world for diesel locomotives," the Minister said. "We [also] think that cooperation with GE regarding engine supplies will help us bring new quality to our planes. What the world needs are Antonov planes with the European[-quality] engines."

The Head of Ukrzaliznytsia Wojciech Balczun said he was sure that with the help of GE the process of modernization of locomotives and train cars will speed up, and Ukrzaliznytsia will be able to create an economically effective vehicle pool.

Marketing director for GE Transportation Adem Saglik said: "We think that thanks to the strategic location of the country and its railway infrastructure we have a lot of potential. We are glad to contribute to Ukrainian reforms, not only in terms of supplying goods, but also by increasing the effectiveness of the companies."

Source: Ekonomichna Pravda