The Mi-171A3 heavy multipurpose helicopter developed by Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec) is of interest to potential customers in China, who could use it to perform a variety of tasks in the oil and gas production industry, Dmitry Zuikov, the head of the company's marketing department, told TASS on the sidelines of Airshow China in the city of Zhuhai (southern Guangdong province).

"We are presenting the 171A3 helicopter at this exhibition in the form of scale models. This is a new helicopter, which we have developed together with companies of Russia’s oil and gas sector for various tasks such as airlifting work shifts and cargoes to offshore drilling platforms and performing search and rescue operations far away from the shore, including in the Arctic regions," he said.

This helicopter is capable of carrying up to 24 people in energy-absorbing seats and meets all current requirements for helicopters in the offshore industry, which are very strict in terms of safety and equipment.

The helicopter can fly in harsh conditions, particularly those inside the Arctic Circle, where satellite communication coverage is poor. The Mi-171A3 can also be quickly, within a few hours, converted from passenger to search and rescue configuration.

"Potential Chinese customers have considerable interest in this helicopter. We have been able to see that at our stand and in general during this exhibition. China is active in the oil and gas sector, including offshore drilling platforms. I believe that the 171A3 will be an excellent means to increase the scope of these projects in China and reduce risks in the development of remote fields," Zuikov said.

The company also brought the KA-32A11BC helicopter to the show this year. China already has 27 such aircraft, and the order portfolio keeps growing. In China, they are mainly used for fighting fires.

At the exhibition in Zhuhai, Zuikov noted, meetings are held not only with the operators of the company's equipment from China, but also with partners from other countries in the region. At the same time, he noted that among the twin-engine helicopters operating in China more than 30% were models created by the Russian manufacturer he represents.