Airbus Helicopters' H225 has received certification from the Russian authorities, making it the first foreign heavy class rotorcraft to achieve this feat. “Successful certification of the H225 by the Interstate Aviation Committee gives Russian customers the opportunity to commence ops using this efficient and reliable rotorcraft in the very near future,” says general manager of Airbus Helicopters Vostok, Emeric Lhomme. “Ten years of success on the global oil and gas market and positive feedback from hundreds of customers worldwide prove that this helicopter is the best choice for challenging missions in severe weather conditions.

“We are certain that by choosing this helicopter Russian customers will be able to decrease operational costs as well as improve safety levels and service quality.”

The Russian certification will open up the all-weather market in countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The H225 has a de-icing system and can transport 19 passengers with heavy lift capability and long range.

“The H225 is the answer to Russia's needs, bringing together the experience of top-class reliability in extreme weather conditions and cutting edge avionics to fly more safely and further than any other solution,” says Oliver Scheier, sales manager for the oil and gas segment in Russia. “The H225 is fit for the toughest environment and guarantees the highest level of service, even in remote locations.”

Approximately 70 per cent of the global Super Puma fleet is used for offshore oil and gas personnel transportation. To date the family has accumulated more than five million flight hours.