OREANDA-NEWS. October 08, 2010. UTair Aviation and Eurocopter-Vostok, the Russian subsidiary of Eurocopter, have signed a contract for the delivery of 20 light AS350B3 and AS355NP of the Ecureuil family of helicopters. The complete order of new rotorcraft is expected from July 2011 to May 2013.

“Expanding the UTair fleet with these light, ultra maneuverable helicopters will strengthen UTair leadership significantly in this market segment,” reported Andrey Martirosov, General Director of UTair Aviation. Christian Gras, Executive Vice-President, Customers for Eurocopter Group said, “The contract is the largest on the post soviet space. With its realization we begin the large-scale commercial operations of Ecureuil family in Russia.”

UTair has exploited light helicopters of the Ecureuil family with success since 2006. The helicopters are capable of carrying up to five passengers or up to 1400 kg of cargo on an external sling. The features of the helicopters have been highly appreciated by UTair clients: the AS350B3 and AS355N models are used for VIP transportation, patrolling oil and gas pipelines, aerial photo and video work, transporting cargo using the external sling and performing medical evacuations.

A certified Maintenance Center for the AS350, AS355N and BO105 helicopters (O and I levels) has been launched into service by the two companies at the Plekhanovo Airport in Tymen on the base of UTair Engineering, a subsidiary of UTair. UTair will also be the launch customer for the new model EC175 helicopter with a 16-passenger capacity according to acontract signed in 2008 for the delivery of 15 helicopters with an option of 15 more helicopters.