OREANDA-NEWS. May 24, 2012. UTair Aviation has been certified for flight operations with AW139 helicopters manufactured by AgustaWestland and intends to exploit this helicopter model for passenger, corporate and VIP-transportation in Russia. UTair expects the first helicopter of ten such rotorcraft to be delivered this summer, with the remaining helicopters completed and delivered by mid-2013. The helicopters will be stationed as part of local helicopter fleets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and in a number of Siberian cites. UTair has also launched dedicated training programs for operating and servicing AW139 helicopters with a view to establishing a grooming up to 60 pilots and 40 engineering professionals. In addition, UTair intends to create an authorized service center for AW139helicopters.

“As the leading provider of helicopter services, UTair continually expands its fleet of modern helicopters, answering the growing needs of its clients,” said  UTair Aviation General Director Andrey Martirosov in an official statement.  “The features and capabilities of the AW139 are well adapted for VIP and corporate transportation in Russia and meet a wide range of other market requirements as well. These rotorcraft will make a good addition to the airline's expanding fleet.”

Bruno Spagnolini, General Director of AgustaWestland, was also expressed his satisfaction with the deal.  “We are pleased to include UTair on the long list of major operators who have chosen the AW139, our best-selling helicopter,” he said. . “The introduction of AW139 helicopters into the UTair fleet strengthens our partnership and we hope that in the future it will only grow. We are proud to promote the future success of UTair.”

Some of the UTair AW139 helicopters will be assembled and delivered by the HeliVert assembly line in Tomilino, located the Moscow region. HeliVert is a joint venture between Russian Helicopters, itself a subsidiary of Oboronprom, a division  of Rostekhnologii Corporation, and AgustaWestland.