The UTair airline (U?air Aviation, JSC) purchased a new Mi-26 helicopter from the Rostvertol joint-stock company (Rostov-on-Don) to implement the terms of its contract with the United Nations organizations, which is providing transport services to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia (Africa). The contract was signed, based on the results of a UN tender.

The newly purchased helicopter begun working in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, on October 16, 2003.

Mi-26 helicopters are the pride of Russia’s helicopter manufacturing industry. They are able to lift up to 20 tons of cargo with the help of its external load sling system. These are the largest helicopters in the world with the highest weight lift capacity. They are used to transport equipment for oil and gas fields, to build bridges, oil rigs and power lines in far-away regions. The combination of their weight lifting capacity and high reliability make their usage economical.

Mi-26s successfully operate in various countries in accordance with UN contracts.

At present, six Mi-26 helicopters work abroad, and have proved to be the most reliable and safe heavy helicopters providing transport support to UN missions in different weather and geographical conditions.

UTair operates 20 Mi-26 helicopters, using them in Russia mainly to transport and install heavy equipment for oil and gas companies.

UTair is the world’s number one helicopter operator and among the major passenger carriers in Russia, with 310 aircraft, including 184 helicopters.