Russia's Gazpromavia, the air carrier of Russia's Gazprom energy company, is bringing into service its first EC135 T2i.

"This EC135 is the first Eurocopter helicopter equipped with Russian-built mission avionics, produced by Transas Aviation, a leading Russian avionics manufacturer based in St Petersburg," says Victor Rakhmanko, head of Gazprom's transport division. "It is the initial delivery of a purchase contract for eight EC135s in passenger configuration."

Andrey Ovcharenko, general director of Gazpromavia, says: "The EC135's introduction into our fleet is a milestone event for us and its Russian content has enabled perfect customisation of this reliable and efficient helicopter to our operational needs. We plan to extend our strategic partnership with Eurocopter. This will particularly focus on the field of training services and be in addition to the operations support and mainten-ance provided by the company in our facility at Ostafievo airport."

Ovcharenko says the helicopters will be operated in challenging weather conditions throughout Russia. "The twin-engine EC135 is a highly sophisticated, multi-purpose helicopter featuring cutting-edge technology that enables it to carry out diverse missions."

Gazpromavia is one of Russia's ten largest airlines and also operates a fleet of 108 rotary aircraft, mainly of Russian manufacture. But since 2006 it has operated the EC120 and it has set up a Eurocopter helicopter maintenance centre in Ostafievo. Eurocopter Vostok provides sales, customer support and fleet follow-up for the company's helicopters in Russia and the CIS.

Rakhmanko says: "We expect the first operational results of the EC135 T2i to be good but the deliveries are part of a mutual programme that has long-term significance for the development of the use of helicopters in Russia and neighbouring countries. It lays the foundation for long-term fruitful cooperation between Gazpromavia, Eurocopter Vostok and Transas Aviation.

Nikolai Lebedev, president of Transas group, says: "Not only are such contracts of interest to the participating parties but they also confirm the potential of Russia in the field of avionics development and manufacturing." Transas Aviation focuses on avionics, navigation software and flight simulators at all certification levels.

Laurence Rigolini, ceo, Eurocopter Vostok, says sales of helicopters are rising in Russia and the CIS and there is increasing demand for customer support.