UTair Aviation has confirmed an order for 15 Eurocopter EC175 helicopters. Deliveries are scheduled in 2013 and 2014.

General director Andrey Martirosov says: "UTair will use the EC175s for further market expansion and in development of the oil and gas segment. The quality of Eurocopter products, along with its high level of technical support, gives us confidence in taking these steps for our further strategic development."

UTair's order positions the Russian operator as a major customer for Eurocopter's new seven ton category helicopter.

Martirosov says: "The twin-engine EC175 incorporates a mix of proven and advanced technologies for excellent performance and reliability in a full range of missions, including oil and gas operations, search and rescue, emergency medical transport, and business aviation. Depending on its configuration, the EC175 can accommodate up to 16 passengers."

UTair has been operating Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft since 2006, with a current fleet that includes the AS350 B3, AS355N and BO105. These are flown in a wide variety of missions that range from vip services and oil and gas industry support to medical missions.

UTair says it is among the world's top four civil helicopter operators by volume of operations, and the largest in Russia with a fleet of more than 250 helicopters of all types – primarily Mil and Eurocopter. It has been active in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years. "UTair Aviation is also the largest provider of transport services for United Nations peacekeeping missions," says the company.

Eurocopter Vostok's Laurence Rigolini says: "We have created a technical support centre, pilot and technical staff academy in Russia."