, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP) has completed delivering to China of Mi-171 helicopters according to the contract that was signed early 2006. As per the contract a total of 24 civil Mi-171 helicopters was delivered to China: 22 helicopters in transport version and 2 helicopters in VIP version. Supplies began in the middle of the last year and were affected by batches of 4 helicopters. The final batch of the helicopters has successfully passed the buyer's acceptance few days ago.
The completed delivery of 24 Mi-171 helicopters has become a regular phase of successful cooperation between Chinese companies and UUAP. China is a standing partner of the plant. Currently this country is the largest operator of Mi -171 helicopters. A total of more than 90 Mi-171 helicopters in various versions was delivered to China. Besides, there are MI-8 helicopters, which was also manufactured in Ulan-Ude, operated in China.
It must be noted that aviation authority of People's Republic of China is the first foreign register who had issued the Validation of Type Certificate for Mi-171 helicopter in 1998 that allowed to operate it in civilian sector. Mi-171 helicopters are used in China for various purposes: transportation of cargo, passengers, geologic exploration, patrolling, fire fighting, offshore conveying, SAR operations etc. The aircraft had made a good showing in such activities and got the excellent name among Chinese operators. In particular, Mi-171 took part in the operation of meeting the first Chinese cosmonaut Yan Livey right after his landing and transported him to base. Afterwards, Mi-171 helicopters always have been used during operations of meeting Chinese cosmonauts after their landing.
The great significance in development of partnership relations is that Ulan-Ude is located near to China. The helicopters delivered under the contract of 2006 were transported under their own power that allowed the Chinese customers to save financial resources on transport expenses. The helicopters' ferry flight under their own power is also profitable by ability of evaluation of the helicopter in real operation during the flight.
Currently we can say about real prospects of further deliveries of Mi-171 helicopters to China. National economics of this country is rapidly developing and it has great demand for helicopters. There are a full material and technical foundation for operation of this aircraft, qualified flying and technical personnel in the country.
It is critical that capabilities of Mi-171 helicopter are constantly enhanced by upgrading. It enables the helicopters efficiently meet more complicated and manifold challenges faced by Chinese operators. It means that new deliveries of Mi-171 helicopters to China is [only] a question of time.
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