Russian lessor orders 27 helicopters

GTLK plans to receive 23 Mi-8s and four Ansats (on photo) by the end of 2017 (Photo by Russian Helicopters)

Russian Helicopters signed a contract with local GTLK State Transport Leasing company for delivery of 27 helicopters by the end of 2017. The state-owned lessor will receive 13 heavy Mil Mi-8AMT transport helicopters, ten Mi-8MTV-1 variants and four Ansat light rotorcraft. There is no information regarding potential operators of these helicopters. However, Russian manufacturer announced that the aircraft will “foster development of regional transportation and medical evacuation services.”

“The scheme designed by GTLK jointly with the [Russian] Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Industry and Trade, which provides support to operators who lease Russian-made aircraft has proven efficient with SSJ 100s, and now we are ready to start building up the leasing market for other types, including Mi-8s and Ansats,” Sergey Khramagin, GTLK general director commented.

Mil Mi-8/17 family helicopters are the best-selling Russian-made rotorcraft. These helicopters may be operated in the wide specter of climates and temperatures ranging from -50C to +50C. They are constantly upgraded and fitted with new equipment.

Deliveries of 7-9 seat Ansats have just started. Healthcare Ministry  of the Russian region Tatarstan and a privately-owned Russian Helicopter Systems became launch commercial operators of the type. There are plans to use Ansat for development of medevac services in Russia. Orders for three Ansats have been placed by Chinese companies.