UTair Helicopter Services joins HeliOffshore

With the fleet of over 320 helicopters UTair Helicopter Services is one of the largest rotorcraft operators in the world (Photo by UTair)

UTair Helicopter Services has joined HeliOffshore, becoming the 100^th member of the industry association focused on safety in offshore helicopter operations.

Founded by just five companies in 2014 in the wake of several painful accidents over the North Sea, the London-based organization accumulates the expertise in operational safety of its now 100- strong membership. It also works with national and regional regulators and relevant trade organisations to “align safety strategies.” In particular, the global collaboration has led to helicopter manufacturers publishing flight-crew operations manuals, and a practice guide for health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS).

Welcoming the new member, HeliOffshore’s CEO Gretchen Haskins said the association was “delighted” that UTair’s participation helped it reach the 100-member milestone. In his turn, CEO of the Russian operator, Andrey Ilmensky expressed hope for a “fruitful collaboration with the global offshore helicopter community.”

“As an operator with an almost 50-year history, UTair-Helicopter Services intends to provide a useful input by sharing our safety knowledge. At the same time, our participation will allow us to raise the quality of service for our customers to an even higher level,” he said.

UTair-Helicopter Services, the helicopter branch of Russia’s fourth largest airline, operates more than 320 helicopters on four continents.