Turkmenistan Airlines has taken delivery of its first Ansat and multipurpose Mi-17-1V from Kazan Helicopters Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. Both helicopters will be used in its new international burn centre to provide medevac for injured and seriously ill patients.

The contract to supply the Ansat and Mi-17-1V helicopters was signed between Kazan Helicopters and Turkmenistan Airlines on 31 March 2020. In accordance with the contract, both helicopters have been supplied to Turkmenistan in versatile configurations with medical modules and medical equipment, and there are additional anti-burn sets. The rotorcraft are also equipped with air conditioning systems.

The Mi-17-1V has additional fuel tanks to provide for longer flights. The helicopter also has a SLG-300 hoist system, a landing and search light and external sling that can carry large cargo up to four tonnes.

“Supplying the first Ansat helicopter to Turkmenistan is an important milestone in the development of Kazan Helicopters' export potential,” states managing director of Kazan Helicopters Alexey Belykh. “We hope that the high performance of the Ansat will be appreciated, and this delivery will be the start of our future cooperation. Ansat and Mi-8/17 helicopters have proved their efficiency during aeromedical operations in Russia. We are happy to share our expertise with our colleagues from Turkmenistan and supply the most modern equipment to them.”

Under the contract with Turkmenistan Airlines, Kazan Helicopters' Training Center has trained 30 of the operator's pilots, engineers and technical specialists. The programme comprises theory and practice, including training using the new Ansat simulator. The trainees have successfully completed their training and received certification.

Kazan Helicopters has cooperated with Turkmenistan for many years. From 2009 to 2015 the country received 11 helicopters made by Kazan Helicopters.