QUETTA: The Balochistan government has concluded a deal with a Russian manufacturer for a Mi-171 civil helicopter, a Russian news agency reported on Monday.
“The helicopter is expected to be handed over in the first half of 2017,” the Russian company said.
This is the first civilian contract for supply of aircraft between Pakistan and a Russian manufacturer, said the Russian helicopter company.
“The helicopter will have 14 VIP seats and 26 seats for other passengers. In case of medical emergencies, the seats can be replaced with 14 stretchers,” a senior official said.
He added the helicopter costs $15.2 million and confirmed reports that the aircraft would be delivered by mid-February.
The local government is likely to use the helicopter for passenger transportation, cargo and medical emergencies.
“Our win in the tender is a characteristic indication of Russian helicopters being the most suitable for operation in this region. We expect authorities of Pakistan will continue increasing import of Russian equipment in the near future due to the existence of suitable conditions,” Deputy CEO Alexander Scherbinin said.
The Mi-171 is the civil version of the Mi-17 military cargo helicopter, which is already under service with the Pakistan Army and it is widely used all over the world due to its reliability and added ability to operate in all kinds of weather conditions.
