The Russian Helicopters holding, part of the State Corporation Rostec, has delivered seven Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters, produced by the Kazan Helicopter Plant, to GTLK.
The aircraft will enhance transport accessibility in remote areas of the Siberian, Ural, and Far Eastern federal districts. They are being provided under preferential leasing terms as part of the national aviation industry development program.
According to an official statement, the contract is part of an investment project aimed at renewing Russia’s helicopter fleet, using funds from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) with support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
Aircraft distribution
Of the seven helicopters delivered, four will go to UTair – Helicopter Services, to be used for rotary transport, heavy cargo operations, search and rescue missions, aerial filming, and escorting oil and gas facilities.
Two more helicopters were handed over to Yamal Airlines for regular flights across municipalities in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and to support oil and gas companies operating in the region.
The seventh helicopter will reinforce Aeroservice’s fleet in the Transbaikal region, where it will be used for passenger and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and aerial forest protection.
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Statements and strategic importance
According to Nikolai Kolesov, General Director of Russian Helicopters Holding, the execution of the contract with GTLK represents a strategic priority:
“This project is of great importance for the development of regional infrastructure and for improving the quality of life in remote territories. The holding, operating within Rostec, is consistently implementing the policy of renewing the national fleet, and Mi-8 helicopters stand out for their multifunctionality and adaptability, which help reduce operating costs,” he said.
Operational capabilities of the Mi-8MTV-1
The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters are designed to operate under extreme climatic conditions, ranging from +50 °C to −50 °C, and are capable of functioning in unequipped areas. Thanks to their versatility, they can perform medical evacuation flights, patrol missions, cargo transport, and rescue operations, making them one of the most reliable and widely used helicopter models in Russian aviation.
Sources: Rostec, GTLK, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
