RuAviation

Russian Helicopters has sent another batch of Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters to operators as part of its contract with the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK). Fifteen helicopters manufactured at Kazan Helicopter Plant (KVZ) were delivered to Russian regions. In total, the contractual obligations imply the delivery of 86 Mi-8 family machines in the interests of different airlines.

“Most of these machines are intended for operation in the northern regions of Russia. The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters delivered under the current contract with GTLC are equipped with additional overhead fuel tanks to increase the flight range. 22 seats were installed in the cabins. It was modified for installation of an onboard boom with a rescue winch with a lifting capacity of 300 kg. The cabin of each helicopter is equipped with places for installation of medical modules. A total of 86 Mi-8 helicopters will be delivered under the contract with GTLK,” the holding’s press service said.

Most of the helicopters delivered in this batch will be used by regional airlines in the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia, Far East and Far North regions. Among the operators are Krasavia, Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, ChukotAVIA, Helix Aero and Converse Aviation, and Kazan Aviation Enterprise.

Krasavia already operates six Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters in its fleet, which were transferred within the framework of co-operation with GTLC. The helicopters will be used in remote areas of the Krasnoyarsk region to transport passengers and cargo, including essential food and medicines.

Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise leases from GTLK three helicopters manufactured by KVZ, all of which are based at the Yelizovo airport of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The helicopters are used to transport mail and cargo, perform sanitary missions, search and rescue duty, take part in firefighting, and also perform tourist flights to the Valley of Geysers, Kronotsky Reserve and Kuril Lake.

Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters of ChukotAVIA provide transport communication between villages and district centres of Chukotka, perform air transportations and aerial work from Anadyr, Pevek, Keperveem, Lavrentiya, Provideniya and Zaliv Kresta settlements. In the absence of motorways, helicopters remain the only mode of transport to ensure mobility of the region’s residents.

Helix Aero, Converse Avia and Kazan Aviation Company operate Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters to serve oil and gas companies in Western and Eastern Siberia and Khabarovsk Territory, perform search and rescue operations, charter passenger transportations and sightseeing flights.

The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter is one of the most popular representatives of the Mi-8/17 family. For many years of operation it has proved itself as a reliable and unpretentious machine capable of performing various tasks in the most difficult climatic conditions. The Mi-8MTV-1 is equipped with two TV3-117VM turboshaft engines, which provide it with a maximum speed of 250 km/h and a range of up to 500 km. The helicopter can carry up to 23 passengers or up to 4 tonnes of cargo.