Khanty-Mansiysk – UTair Aviation (UTair Aviation, JSC) has been confirmed as winner of the bid for the fulfillment of transportation support, as part of the United Nation’s peacekeeping mission in Cote d'Ivoire (Africa).

The results of the bid were announced in New York in December.

Four Mi-8MTV helicopters will begin providing transportation support, starting on January 25, 2005.

A two-year contract, with the possibility of extension for a further year, envisages the use of helicopters for passenger and cargo transportation both in-cabin and on an external load sling system, as well as for emergency and medical evacuation.

At present, 18 UTair Aviation helicopters are providing transportation support to UN peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo, Eritrea, and Cote d'Ivoire.

UTair is the largest helicopter-equipment operator in the world. On January 1, 2005, its fleet totaled 283 aircraft, including 174 helicopters.