ORAO KEEPS INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND ACCESSING FOREIGN MARKETS

BIJELJINA, NOVEMBER 3 /SRNA/ – Bijeljina-based Orao Company, in the year marking its 82nd anniversary, keeps introducing new technologies and opening new production facilities, shows a promotional film presenting the history, development and technical achievements of the company, which specialises in the production and overhaul of turbojet engines.

The promo film notes that a new facility worth BAM 3 million was officially opened in September. Overhauls of new engine types are expected to begin there soon, bringing access to new markets, creating jobs and gradually opening the door to the civil aviation sector.

One of these engines is the Pratt & Whitney PT6, while the other is Rolls-Royce's M250 model. Depending on the variant, both are used to power aircraft and helicopters.

"Production of the PT6 model has continued uninterrupted since 1963, with more than 63,000 units manufactured worldwide. The other model, the M250, is available in various versions, one of which has been in production from 1959 to the present day. It is a current engine with more than 60,000 units produced," said Vladimir Ilić, Head of the Overhaul Sector.

The development of a new overhaul unit for these two engine types will enable Orao to expand its activities beyond its existing programmes onto a new category of gas turbine power units.

The potential lies not only in the overhaul of complete engines, but also in the overhaul of individual assemblies, replacement and repair of components, technical condition inspections, testing and other related services.

Orao believes this represents a significant opportunity to expand its business prospects, as it opens up a wide range of services to offer on the global market.

A sufficient annual flow of engines for overhaul would mean more work, greater financial returns and an improved quality of life for employees and the wider community in which the company operates.

Orao management takes a long-term approach to planning, as this is the only way to ensure high-quality and profitable operations based on continuous staff training, the procurement of new equipment, demonstrating technical capabilities and developing relationships with future customers.

"I would describe the past year as very important and successful for Orao, primarily because we have made concrete progress in several key areas of our business," said Marko Mrkajić, the company's CEO.

He particularly highlighted the continuation and strengthening of cooperation with the Ministry of Defence of Serbia, which is one of the company's most important strategic partners.

The new overhaul facility project demonstrates that Orao's development is based on combining accumulated experience with modern technical requirements. The goal is not merely to introduce two additional engine types, but to build a new and sustainable capability for the company.

"Leadership is not earned through tradition; it must be reaffirmed daily through work, knowledge and results," Mrkajić stressed.

He noted that Orao is marking its 82nd anniversary this year and that few companies in the region can boast such a long tradition and experience in the aviation industry.

"What matters most to me as CEO is the future. That is why we are investing in new technologies, modernising production capacities, developing new programmes and working to create conditions for employing young professionals," Mrkajić said.

Through its new investments, Orao is not only preserving its 82-year tradition but also laying the foundations for decades of future business operations.

The overhaul facility for the PT6 and M250 engines marks the beginning of a new chapter in the company's development. Even after 82 years, Orao continues to spread its wings and hold its head high, remaining a cornerstone of the defence industry of Republika Srpska, the promo film states.

The video report on current developments at Orao premiered as part of the company's 82nd anniversary celebrations and is available through SRNA video service and YouTube channel.