UTair launches UAV operations

UTair operates several Russian-built UAVs (Photo by UTair)

UTair Helicopter Services, the helicopter arm of UTair Group, has commenced commercial operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The service is being offered to major power generation and oil producing companies operating in Western Siberia, a UTair Helicopter Services representative told Russian Aviation Insider.

The company operates several Russian-built UAVs capable of withstanding adverse climatic conditions. With the help of these aircraft UTair Helicopter Services monitors forest firebreaks, power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, deposits, and construction sites. The UAVs are equipped with photo and video cameras and thermal sensors to collect information for further processing and transfer to clients.

UTair operates over 320 helicopters of Russian and Western types. The ATO Sourcebook describes the company as Russia’s leading rotorcraft operator by the number of hours flown. Although UTair Helicopter Services is not the first Russian company to launch UAV operation, it is the first large domestic operator to have embraced the technology.

By Artyom Korenyako