Russian Helicopter Systems (RHS) has taken delivery of the first serial produced Mi-38 helicopter for its client Gazprombank Leasing. Delivered by Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec State Corporation, the VIP-configured Mi-38 was built by Kazan Helicopters and is designed to carry up to 10 people.

“The newest Mi-38 is a multi-purpose helicopter that will fill the empty niche between the medium Mi-8 and heavy Mi-26 models,” says Rostec Aviation Cluster industrial director Anatoly Serdyukov. “It can be used for the transportation of cargo and passengers, search and rescue operations, and as a flying hospital or an offshore helicopter for delivering specialists to oil production platforms at sea. The first serial produced machine will be used for business class transportation. We have already demonstrated this helicopter, with its highly comfortable cabin, to the leaders of Russia and foreign countries. The superior flight performance characteristics and competitive price will guarantee that the Mi-38 will find its place in the helicopter fleet of Russia, our partners in the Middle East, southeast Asia, Latin America and other regions.”

The delivery ceremony was held at the Kazan Helicopters facility and was attended by the president of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Russian Helicopters director general Andrei Boginsky and Kazan Helicopters director general Yuri Pustovgarov.

“This delivery is an important step, confirming that Kazan Helicopters is ready to fulfil serial delivery of this type of machine for commercial operators and governments,” adds Boginsky. “The demand forecast of potential buyers for the Mi-38 by 2030 is more than 100 aircraft.”

Gazprombank Leasing CEO Maxim Agadzhanov notes: “We are glad to continue our cooperation with Russian Helicopters and implement another deal, financing the production of the Mi-38 in the framework of the previously signed cooperation agreement. Renovation of aircraft fleets requires significant capital investment, and leasing allows you to divide the cost of expensive asset acquisitions into long periods comparable with the life of the asset, making it undoubtedly an effective financial tool in solving such problems. We see good prospects for leasing aircraft and, in particular, helicopters. We have the capability and resources to finance the renewal of the fleets of both commercial and federal organisations in the Russian Federation.”