Polar Airlines has signed a contract with Russian Helicopters Holding Company, a part of Rostec State Corporation, for seven modernised Ansat helicopters starting from 2021. The helicopters will be adapted for operation in the harsh conditions of the far north of Russia.

During the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2019 held in Zhukovsky on 29 August the parties discussed the results of developing a new design for an aircraft and signed a contract for supplying helicopters.

Based on the recommendations of Polar Airlines, Russian Helicopters developed the new helicopter design, which allows machines to be kept outside a hangar. It also enables longer flight range, with an ice protection system and the ability to perform instrument flights.

Polar Airlines will be the launch customer and operator of the upgraded Ansat helicopter. In accordance with the contract all aircraft will be able to carry medical modules and these will be installed on three of them when the machines are supplied.

The machines will carry passengers within districts and will also be used for providing air medical services, rescue, patrolling, attending emergencies and firefighting.

In 2017 and 2018 Russian Helicopters provided Polar Airlines with five Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters whose performance and efficiency have already been proven in the conditions of the Arctic. Russian Helicopters has also tested Ansat helicopters at low temperatures in Yakutia.

The acquisition of new aircraft is a strategic objective of Polar Airlines, which says it is the leading regional airline in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The company carries passengers on planes and helicopters on local airlines and performs various types of aerial work in a region with low population density and a harsh climate. The airline's own fleet comprises 64 aircraft, including 27 Mi-8/Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters, accounting for 42 per cent of its total active fleet.