In February 2012, Aeroexpress rented the Ilich depot to organise a repair and maintenance shop there to service its rolling stock. All depot premises were overhauled during its renovation: the roof covering was renewed and made cold-proof, aluminium windows with low-emissivity glass were installed, walls were heat-isolated, window and door frames were changed, and a ventilated facade was constructed. Inspection pits were repaired, the utility network and crane equipment were entirely upgraded, and the adjacent territory was improved.
As part of the project, the company purchased modern equipment for repairing trains and turning wheels. The depot was renovated at the company’s own expense. Total investment from 2012 to 2014 amounts to RUB 1,147,000,000.
In 2014, construction works for the second stage will be completed, as a result of which the depot will be adjusted to service double-deck rolling stock. The company plans to install extension ramps to ensure access to train roof equipment, an overhead system, and jacking facilities, which will allow for lifting several carriages simultaneously.
Alexey Sorokin, Chief Operating Officer of Aeroexpress, noted that the implementation of such a large-scale project represents a crucial stage in completing new tasks that are aimed at improving the level of comfort and safety of passenger transportation. “The technical potential of the upgraded depot will enable us to improve work performance and ensure the high level of the rolling stock’s maintenance. Besides, Aeroexpress is the first private suburban passenger carrier to independently service its operating rolling stock. We will also carry out the maintenance of double-deck trains on our own,” stated Alexey Sorokin.