Norilsk Avia, part of Norilsk Nickel group, has signed a contract with Gazprombank Leasing and Russian Helicopters Holding Company, a part of Rostec State Corporation, for the purchase of 10 multipurpose Mi-8AMT helicopters.

The helicopters are to be built at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, which is part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company. The rotorcraft are scheduled for delivery to Norilsk between 2020 and 2024.

“It's the first time that we signed a lease agreement with Gazprombank Leasing, and we are very excited about it. We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation,” notes director general of Russian Helicopters Holding Company Andrey Boginsky.

“The first two Mi-8AMT will be delivered to Norilsk next March and will join the Norilsk Avia fleet. The Mi-8AMTs are great machines belonging to the famous Mi-8/17 family. They are equipped with modern avionics and are perfectly suited for operating in the harsh climatic conditions of the Far North, from the Taimyr tundra to the islands of the Arctic Ocean."

Gazprombank deputy chairman Alexey Belous adds: “We are pleased to contribute to the development of the country's transport infrastructure and, in particular, the establishment of helicopter service in remote areas, where other forms of transportation have proved to be unprofitable. I am sure that the Russian Helicopters machines, which are well proven in the harsh operating conditions, will significantly improve the quality of passenger service.”

“To update the fleet, Norilsk Avia has chosen a convenient tool, that is leasing, the use of which becomes even more profitable in combination with the targeted subsidy programmes of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. For Gazprombank, this transaction has become the first one in the helicopter leasing market, and we plan to continue developing this promising direction.”

Norilsk Nickel state secretary and vice president Dmitry Pristanskov says that Norilsk Avia is the only helicopter company on the Taimyr Peninsula that is able to meet the region's needs in aviation services: “Today the carrier operates helicopters of the Mi-8 type, which not only provide transportation for the production needs of the company, but are used for rapid response to emergencies, and perform an important social function providing sanitary flights and passenger transportation of the Far North natives to remote settlements.

“New helicopters will allow Norilsk Avia to upgrade the existing aircraft fleet, the average age of which is 32 years. For Norilsk Nickel, it is a contribution to improving transportation safety in the Far North and to creating a more robust sustainable production of all the group's enterprises.”

The Mi-8AMT is a modern mid-size helicopter with improved performance, created on the basis of the Mi-8T. Its design falls back on vast experience of operating Mi-8 helicopters in Russia and abroad. The Mi-8AMT has a more powerful power unit, modified avionics and a number of design changes.

The Mi-8AMT is fitted with TV3-117VM engines and enhanced transmission. An AMS-Indicator, working with GPS and GLONASS positioning systems, provides for the helicopter's reliable navigation. The helicopter can transport up to 23 passengers and cargo weighing up to four tonnes inside the cargo cabin or on external sling.