Russian Helicopters Holding Company, part of Oboronprom Corporation and Russian Technologies State Corporation, has delivered two new Mi-171 transport helicopters to SKOL Airline, press-service of Russian Helicopters reports.

“The Mi-171 helicopters are manufactured by the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company. The delivered helicopters are fitted with special lifting and transport equipment: an on-board beam with winch intended for lifting loads up to 150kg and an external load with a weight-lifting ability of up to 4,000kg. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with shock-absorbing seats by Fischer in order to increase the comfort and safety of pilots”, - Russian Helicopters noted.

The fleet of SKOL Airline comprises four different modifications of Mi-8/17 helicopters (including medium Mi-171s, Mi-8AMTs and Mi-8MTVs), as well as heavy Mi-26Ts, which are in fact operated in the network of UN peace-keeping and humanitarian missions all over the world. The helicopters are used for transporting cargo, medical supplies, goods, passengers and humanitarian aid. Three Mi-171 helicopters have already been delivered to SKOL: two ones in 2009 and one more in 2010.

 “It is expected that the new helicopters will help SKOL strengthen its positions and increase its share at the global market thanks to the outstanding performance, reliability and price-quality trade-off. The airline intends to expand its fleet of Mi-171 helicopters. The possibility of signing new contracts with Russian Helicopters on delivery of these helicopters is being considered", - the holding’s press-service noted.