UTair has not only become the launch customer of Мi-34S1, but also intends to increase its order from 10 to 50 helicopters, RBC Daily reports. The carrier intends to use Мi-34S1, which is a Russian analogue of Robinson light helicopters, for servicing customers from oil and gas sector and for pilot training. 

Мi-34S1 — is one of the latest modifications of light multi-role Мi-34 helicopter, manufactured since 1986 and intended for cargo and passenger transportation and patrol missions. One of the main features of Мi-34S1 is the replacement of М-14 engine with a new one, more powerful piston М9FV engine, and the replacement of avionics. 

UTair is the launch customer of Мi-34S1 helicopters. The carrier has signed an agreement in May on 10 such vehicles. As reported by CEO of Russian Helicopters Holding Company, Dmitry Petrov, the agreement will transform into contract during Moscow airshow. He also noted that the Prime-Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has ordered to re-establish the production of Mi-34s last year. «The first two helicopters of this type will take part in MAKS — one of them will wear the livery of the Russian air forces and the other will have a civil one», — Petrov noted. According to him, the serial production of helicopters will be carried out in Arsenyev since 2012. 

UTair is ready to expand its order. As reported in the carrier’s accounting by IFRS for 2010, this order may be increased up to 50 helicopters. The airline denied any comments regarding details of possible contract. 

It is planned that new UTair’s helicopters will service oil and gas sector. In addition, part of the acquired batch will be intended for performance of training flights during training of airline’s pilots. 

The list price of Мi-34S1 has not been unveiled by Russian Helicopters, but the company noted that it will be cheaper than American Robinson helicopters. According to the experts, the cost of new Russian helicopters in a basic configuration may reach $500 thousand.