Russian operator UTair reports that it is pleased with its fleet of AW139s, with ten aircraft currently in service to perform passenger, corporate and vvip transport missions. Aircraft are deployed and operated from bases in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi and from additional bases in Siberia.

“Putting into operation 10 helicopters of a new type in a short time required a lot of work to prepare the flight crews and operating personnel, infrastructure and maintenance facilities,” says Faradzhaev Rashid Guseinovich, ceo of UTair-Engineering.

“The success of this work has once again demonstrated the professionalism and capabilities of UTair as an operator of various types of helicopters.

Additionally, UTair has signed a service centre agreement with AgustaWestland. Under the agreement the operator will act as an authorised service station, providing a comprehensive range of support and maintenance services as well as an extensive spare parts inventory for AW139 twin engine helicopters in Russia. The programme foresees qualification of approximately 60 pilots and 40 technicians to fly and maintain the AW139. “Establishment of a joint service centre is a positive step, indicating our big plans for operation of AW139 helicopters,” Guseinovich adds.