Perla Group buys Ukraine helicopter firm

Perla Group International, a Dubai-based company with interests in telecoms aviation and other sectors, signed an agreement to buy 100 per cent shares of Ukraine's DB Aerocopter, which designs and builds the AK1-3 petrol-powered, two-seater light helicopter.

Charles D'Alberto, CEO and Founder of Perla Group, flew AK1-3 while touring the facilities in Poltava, Ukraine.

Perla plans to move the assembly plant to the UAE to take advantage of the company's ties to the Middle East and Africa – expected to be a major development for the UAE's aviation industry, which has no local aircraft manufacturing facility.

"This acquisition is an exciting step for us," said Igor V Polituchyi, Director of DB Aerocopter. "It will give us the ability to enter new markets and show the world just how good the AK1-3 really is."

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