Heliports of Russia approved for commercial passenger service

The company owns a network of helipads and operates a Robinson R66 and an Airbus Helicopters H130 (Photo by Heliports of Russia)

Heliport-M, a Moscow-based helicopter operator, has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Federal Air Transport Service, according to an announcement by its parent company, Heliports of Russia, one of the country’s largest distributors of western-made rotorcraft. The AOC entitles Heliport-M to perform commercial transportation of passengers and cargo.

The airline will launch commercial operations from its base in Ivanovo-Yuzhny Airport once all official procedures are complete. It currently has two turbine helicopters in its fleet – a Robinson R66 and an Airbus Helicopters H130 (EC130 T2). There are plans for further fleet expansion with other types of helicopters, the company spokesperson told Russian Aviation Insider.

In September of last year, Heiport of Russia’s chairman Alexander Khrustalyov told Russian Aviation Insider about his plans to use the helicopters for charter flights across Russia. He mentioned such types as the Robinson R44, Bell 407/429 and Mil Mi-8.

At present, only Heliports of Russia club members can take advantage of the helicopter-for-rent service. The company has built a network of helicopter centers in ten cities across Russia, including three centers in Moscow region.