In February 2015 the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) issued a type certificate number CT348-175 for EC175 helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. The certificate allows putting EC175 helicopters into operation in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, press-service of Airbus Helicopters reports.

«We believe that EC175 can be successful in Russia. This vehicle outmatches its rivals in terms of economics and aircraft performance in the medium twin-engine helicopters segment. The first EC175 (passenger version) are delivered to oil and gas companies and designed to transport employees to offshore drilling platforms. In 2016 deliveries of the helicopter’s VIP version will be started,» Emeric Lhomme, General Manager of Airbus Helicopters Vostok, said.

Initially the helicopter received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification in January 2014. In 2015 Airbus Helicopters will expand the list of optional equipment as well as the vehicle’s flight envelope; these changes will be reflected in new editions of EASA and IAC certificates.

«Certification of EC175 by IAC allows Airbus Helicopters to focus on certification of another vehicle (should be completed in the first half of 2015) –EC225 heavy twin-engine helicopter. This year we will offer two helicopters to Russian oil and gas companies: EC175 seating 16 passengers and EC225 seating 19 passengers. Both models meet the highest standards of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) and establish new standards in terms of flight safety and economics,» Emeric Lhomme added.