UTair Aviation, the world’s leading helicopter operator by weight-lift ability and size of its fleet, has acquired three Eurocopter Ecureuil AS350 B3e helicopters in the network of the contract on acquisition of 20 Ecureuil helicopters, the largest contract on delivery of helicopters as of today, the airline reports. AEX.ru
We remind you that AS350 B3e has been certified by Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) in December 2011. «We are glad to have new AS350 B3e with an improved configuration in our fleet. AS350 B3e provide a high level of flight safety and high reliability, this vehicles are more efficient and have a higher thrust, so we can offer the more competitive products to our customers from oil and gas industry and for business transportation», - said CEO of UTair Aviation, Andrey Martirosov.
«Ecureuil AS350 B3e has received the IAC certificate and now it may be operated in Russia and CIS Region. We are glad to start the deliveries of this advanced version of the most popular AS350 helicopter. UTair Aviation is one of the main customers for Ecureuil Family helicopters in Russia, and it will be able to appreciate all the advantages of these modernized vehicles soon», – said CEO of Eurocopter Vostok, Laurence Rigolini.
AS350 B3e is the upgraded version of single-engine AS350 B3 helicopter. This advanced high-efficient helicopter is intended for implementation of the most complex objectives under adverse weather conditions. Great weight-lift ability and power, high reliability and low operational costs make AS350 B3e the leader in its class. The serial AS350 B3 has set the world record in May 2005 by performing the landing on the top of Mount Everest.
The cockpit of AS350 B3e is equipped with Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), which significantly simplifies the work of pilot and increases the flight safety level. The usage of composites in the construction of airframe and helicopter rotor provides the best corrosion prevention, thus decreasing the operational costs, the airline noted.
Utair Aviation has placed the order for 20 Eurocopter Ecureuil helicopters, including 13 Ecureuil AS350 B3es, 1 Ecureuil AS350 B3 and 6 AS355NPs in autumn 2010. The vehicles will be delivered by 2013. 5 helicopters have already been delivered in 2011. UTair will operate the new helicopters for VIP-transportation, patrol of oil and gas pipe lines, implementation of survey missions and cargo transportation. The airline is operating Eurocopter AS350 B3, AS355N and BO 105 helicopters since 2006. UTair is also the launch customer for EC175 helicopter – the airline has ordered 15 such vehicles in 2011.
