Expanded park of Polar Airlines now includes two newly added helicopters, the Mi-8MTV-1 models.
In a significant move for aviation in northern and Arctic districts, Polar Airlines has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of two domestically produced multi-purpose helicopters, the Mi-8MTV-1. The handover ceremony took place at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, attended by Tatarstan's leader Rustam Minnikhanov, State Transport Leasing Company CEO Yevgeny Ditrich, United Aircraft Corporation CEO Nikolai Kolyshev, and Kazan Helicopter Plant General Director Nikolai Yakovlev.
Yakut aviation, according to the republic's leader, is a vital part of the infrastructure, especially in areas with no roads. The addition of these aircraft aims to enhance transport accessibility and aviation safety in northern and Arctic districts.
The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters offer significant capabilities and benefits particularly suited for northern and Arctic districts. Their versatile 23-seat cabin can be reconfigured for medical evacuation, making them ideal for passenger transport and urgent medical needs in remote northern regions. The external cargo sling enables the transport of oversized and heavy loads, which is crucial for logistical support in harsh and inaccessible Arctic environments.
The operational range of approximately 900 kilometers and the capacity to carry up to 22-23 passengers support long-distance flights over sparsely populated, challenging terrain typical of northern districts. This range and passenger capacity exceed that of some newer variants, making the Mi-8MTV-1 particularly valuable for sustained operations in remote areas without frequent refueling opportunities.
Additional benefits include robustness and reliability proven over decades, well adapted to extreme weather and Arctic conditions. The cabin flexibility allows for different mission profiles, including passenger transport, cargo, and medical evacuation. The external sling cargo capability facilitates the movement of outsized equipment and supplies critical for Arctic settlements and industrial operations. The adequate speed and service ceiling ensure safe and efficient operations in northern airspace.
Polar Airlines' General Director, Semen Vinokurov, stated that fleet renewal is a top strategic priority. He received the keys to the two new Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters at the ceremony. In the last eight years, Polar Airlines has acquired seven helicopters.
One of the helicopters will be named "100 Years of Yakutia Aviation". The event of expanding Polar Airlines' fleet occurred on Tuesday, July 29. The lease agreement was funded by the Russian National Welfare Fund on preferential terms for a period of 15 years. The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters were inspected, accepted, and necessary documentation prepared by specialists from Polar Airlines' engineering and aviation service.
The "Mi-8MTV-1" helicopters are proven machines that can work in any conditions and are used for delivering food, medicine, medical evacuations, fighting fires, and participating in rescue operations. These reliable helicopters allow for the maintenance of stability and connectivity of the regions, and they continue to work on updating their fleet.
The expansion of Polar Airlines' fleet with the Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters will foster growth in various industries, such as finance, aerospace, and transportation, due to their versatility and robustness, particularly beneficial for remote Arctic regions. The versatile and reconfigurable 23-seat cabin, external cargo sling, and capability to withstand harsh Arctic conditions make these helicopters ideal for diverse mission profiles, including urgent medical needs, logistical support, and passenger transportation.
