UTair Helicopter Operations

[Peter PanPan]

I have browsed through the Rotorheads forum looking for info about UTair, a couple of references here and there but nothing consistent, does anyone know much about their worldwide ops? They mention on their website: "UTair is a launching partner for the Eurocopter EC175 helicopters with an order for 15 helicopters and an option for 15 more. Deliveries are to start from 2013. The company also plans to purchase Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters" and Shepherd mentions "Another highlight of Heli-Expo 2011 was UTair Aviation of Russia's signature of a firm order for 15 of Eurocopter's new EC175 helicopters, firming up a letter of intent announced at Heli-Expo in 2008. This 7-metric-ton category rotary-wing aircraft incorporates a mix of proven and advanced technologies for excellent performance and reliability in a full range of missions, including oil and gas operations, search and rescue, emergency medical transport, and business aviation. UTair will deploy its EC175s in offshore oil and gas operations, as well as for VIP transportation"
They seem to be doing pretty well, will most likely get a contract with BP as soon as they start exploring the South Kara Sea. Are they any serious competitor to CHC? How are they as an employer? Any insights would be appreciated.:ok:

[9Aplus]

Approx 400 operational helicopters WW plus 3rd place airline in Russia....
My dear friend was first director of helicopter operations there....
:ok:

If you take in consideration that Inaer have only approx. 280 units operational than
you can imagine UTair capability....

[Peter PanPan]

Thanks 9Aplus ;) According to their website they total 256 Rotary ships which is definitely impressive and they seem to be expanding towards western frames such as the EC175 and AW139, is that a sign that they are turning their backs to the Russian industry? Where exactly do they operate worldwide? Do they mainly hire russian ex-mil? What about their safety record?

[Savoia]

.
Open Joint Stock Company "UTair Aviation" (Russian: ОАО «Авиакомпания «ЮТэйр»), commonly known as UTair, is an airline based in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia. It operates scheduled domestic and some international passenger services, scheduled helicopter services (e.g. from Surgut) plus extensive charter flights with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in support of the oil and gas industry across Western Siberia. UTair is also involved with relief operations for the United Nations. Its main base is at Roschino International Airport (TJM).

In February 1967, the Aeroflot Tyumen Directorate was set up in order to meet the transport requirements of the fast-growing oil and gas industry undergoing development in Western Siberia. In the wake of the break-up of the Aeroflot organization, Tyumenaviatrans Aviation (TAT) was formed in 1991 to replace the Aeroflot Tyumen Directorate. TAT adopted the name of UTair in early 2003. The airline is owned by Khanty Mansiysk District administration (23%), Surgut City administration (19%), Russian shareholders and companies (33%), the Russian Federation (2%), and private foreign investors (20%).

AS355N x 2
MBB Bo105 x 3
Mi8 x 113
Mi8 MT x 1
Mi10 x 10
Mi17 x 1 (60 on order)
Mi26 x 22

For news about the joint BP op in the South Kara Sea read: http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/421086-news-mother-russia-2.html

Website: UTair Aviation (http://www.utair.ru/en/)

Have experience with UTair in Africa and thoroughly recommend them.

Try going to Heli-Russia in May if you want to meet them: 4rd International Helicopter Industry Exhibition (http://www.helirussia.ru/en/index.html)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TXnoNs-TlbI/AAAAAAAACBc/9J7MXfW00Rc/s800/Mi26%20Whitehorse%20Canada%2011%20Apr%2009%20%28Simon%20Blak esley%29.jpg
A UTair Mi26 makes a fuel stop at Whitehorse Canada (Photo: Simon Blakesley)

S.

[9Aplus]

Plus Ka32
Plus Ka226
etc...
plus EU Slovak operation, plus support to some other operators....

[Mil-8MTV]

I think this is a latest list of UTair's helicopters fleet.
UTAIR: Fleet (http://www.utair.ru/en/hel/hel_list/)

[Peter PanPan]

Yep, 256 ships according to that list. Savoia I noticed the thread "News from Mother Russia", thanks though. What kind of work have they done on the African continent? Can you specify the country?

[Savoia]

.
PPP: This was an op in the Sudan (UN) and compared with some of the East European Mil operators I have been exposed to UTA were a dream. Perfect? No, there is no perfect aviation organisation - anywhere! Good? Definately yes. Organised, professional and, crucially, experienced.

UTA have operated in numerous African countries including Somalia, DRC and Chad.

S.

[Mil-8MTV]

They operate all over Africa. From Sudan to South Africa. Mainly aviation support of UN missions in problematic countries.

[helihub]

PPP, check your PMs

[Peter PanPan]

@Helihub: will do ;)

@Savoia and Mil-8: Thank you guys for shedding some light!

[Vertical Freedom]

Also in India, 1 x 350B3+ with some Mil171 & AW139 coming soon. Seems they are planning something big in India! Certainly a potentially huge untapped market here. :hmm:

[Peter PanPan]

Do you guys know anything about their hiring requirements?:hmm:

[Mil-8MTV]

Send me all questions you have. I'll help you.

[Peter PanPan]

Mil, sent you a PM;)