Russian engine manufacturer UEC-Klimov JSC and UTair Engineering JSC, a Russian MRO based at Plekhanovo airport in Tyumen, have signed a general agreement to ensure the airworthiness of the Mi-8MTV-1 and Mi-8AMT helicopter fleet's powerplant.

Before signing the agreement, the parties developed a joint development strategy for up to 2030, discussing the repair of engines in operation, upgrading the TV3-117 engine fleet to VK-2500 engines. The companies also agreed to organise training for UTair Engineering JSC's technical personnel under the JSC UEC-Klimov training centre's programmes.

UTair is the largest helicopter operator globally. The company's fleet includes more than 170 Russian helicopters, which are operated in different countries around the world.

“For several years now, UTair Engineering JSC and UEC-Klimov JSC have been developing cooperation,” notes the general director of UTair Engineering JSC Rashid Faradzhaev. “For us, as the largest technical operator of helicopter engines and gearboxes used in the powerplants of Mil and Kamov helicopters, this is an important trend that allows us to continuously improve the level of flight safety, reliability and quality of services for both the operator and the end customer of air transportation. The economic efficiency of operations is also important, which is also a key issue for mutual work.”

UEC-Klimov JSC executive director Alexander Vatagin adds: “Helicopters are involved in complex and demanding missions, which are often urgent, so the operation of helicopters should not be allowed to stop due to engine resource exhaustion. For these purposes, UEC-Klimov has developed a comprehensive programme to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft engine fleet installed on UTair Engineering helicopters. The concluded agreement is a natural step in the development of cooperation between our companies. These are clear intentions, fixed on paper, to create a strong, high-quality and competitive after-sales service system.”

Earlier in 2019, UEC-Klimov JSC and UTair Engineering JSC signed a distribution agreement for the aftersales service of helicopter engines in the Russian Federation. In total, during the cooperation, 28 engines were repaired and the service life of 22 products was extended, as well as other technical work being carried out with a total cost of more than 140 million rubles.

The general agreement takes into account the positive results of all joint implemented projects and also takes into account the interests of the parties in the framework of further cooperation.

Following an audit, Airbus Helicopters has once again certified UTair Engineering JSC as an authorised maintenance centre for its helicopters in Russia. The ceremony to present the certificate was held as part of HeliRussia.

“At present, UTair-Engineering is the only service centre for Airbus Helicopters in Russia that is approved by the aircraft manufacturer,” confirms Farajayev. “We have repeatedly confirmed our quality of service to our partners, and we are glad that our technical service centre has successfully passed the audit and received the certificate again.”

Head of the Airbus helicopter division in Russia and Belarus Dmitry Perepelkin adds: “Just the day before, we completed the last formalities in order to once again confirm the high standard of services rendered by UTair Engineering. We are glad that now the owners and operators of Airbus Helicopters can receive service in Russia in accordance with the manufacturer's quality and safety standards.”