The first flights of the Russian Helicopters Ansat light multipurpose helicopter have begun in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Ansat, which is owned by Craft Avia Center, a Mexican dealer of Russian Helicopters holding company, was supplied by Russian Helicopter Systems. The type is expected to be used in Mexico for VIP transportation, firefighting and other needs. Its cockpit design allows for the conversion, within one hour, of the rotorcraft into a cargo, passenger or medical version, capable of transporting up to seven people.

Craft Avia Center has previously reported that initially it plans to supply 13 Ansat helicopters for use by itself and its customers, and 27 rotorcraft to the national air medical services project. Mexican certification of the Ansat should be completed in 2020.