UTair Aviation and Svyaz-Bank closed another deal for refinancing of purchase of 9 Mi-8AMT helicopters with the participation of REGION-Leasing (part of REGION Group), the carrier’s press-service reports.

The previous deal closed in early 2013 helped the airline to purchase three helicopters of the type, the press-service noted.

UTair operates Mi-8AMT helicopters in the network of implementation of contracts with European companies and supporting oil and gas companies in Western and Eastern Siberia. UTair Aviation has over 40 years of experience in operating Mi Family helicopters of all classes in different countries of the world. The carrier’s fleet comprises over 350 helicopters, including Mi-26s having the highest weight-lifting ability in the world», - the airline noted.

“UTair has significant experience in operating different versions of Mi-8 helicopter in Russia and foreign countries. This deal and partnership with Svyaz-Bank help us renew our fleet, expand our presence at the market and optimize our costs», – CFO of UTair, Igor Petrov, noted.    

«We hope that the new deal with Svyaz-Bank will allow UTair to expand its fleet and capabilities in the area of helicopter services thanks to having additional source of long-term financing. We expect the projects implemented in cooperation with REGION Group to produce significant economic effect», – the bank’s vice-chairman of the board, Sergey Volokhov, said.