An agreement between UTair Aviation and Russian Helicopters on delivery of ten Mi-34S1 helicopters has been signed during the HeliRussia 2011 expo on May 19th, the airline reports. AEX.ru

The first deliveries are expected in 2012. According to the preliminary agreement between UTair and Russian Helicopters, the total number of acquired vehicles may be increased to 50 Mi-34S1s.

«Our airline has more than 40 years of experience in operating Mil helicopters of all classes in different regions. We are confident that the delivery of new Mi-34S1s will expand the capabilities of UTair’s helicopter fleet», – CEO of UTair, Andrey Martirosov said.

«We are glad that the leading helicopter operator has become the launch customer and initiated the delivery of a large batch of the helicopters», – noted Dmitry Petrov, CEO of Russian Helicopters.

Mi-34S1 is the light multi-role helicopter intended for cargo transportation and patrol missions. It is planned to use the new UTair’s helicopters for servicing the gas and oil sector. In addition, part of the acquired helicopters will be used for company’s pilots training.