Moscow-based Vityaz Avia has signed an agreement with Viking Air for an additional seven DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400s, for operations in Russia. The turboprops are scheduled for delivery through 2015, and will support remote communities throughout the northern regions of Russia. The first aircraft is due in time for the MAKS International Air Show in Moscow in August, where it will be on static display for viewing by the Russian aviation industry.

The Twin Otters will feature a fully IFR Honeywell Primus Apex digital avionics suite, flight management system, TAWS, TCAS I, and EGPWS. In addition, the aircraft will be configured with a variety of landing gear options, including wheels, amphibious floats, skis and intermediate flotation gear.

The deal brings the Vityaz aircraft order total to 11, making the company Viking's largest single non-military customer to date.

David Curtis, Viking president and ceo, says: “We believe the series 400 aircraft is ideally suited for the harsh operating environments in Russia, and have been working with Vityaz since 2010 to develop the Russian market potential.

“We are pleased to see with this new order that the demand for the aircraft is strong and proving that our initial business case was valid.”

Viking received Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IACAR) type certification in July 2012 in conjunction with the delivery of the first two Russian aircraft in October 2012. These aircraft marked the first Twin Otters in history to be delivered to Russia.