OREANDA-NEWS. On November 16, 2007 a Mi-26 helicopter of UTair (UTair Aviation JSC) made a demonstration flight in Italy, where UTair pilots were able to show the fire fighting capabilities of this unique Russian helicopter, reported the press-centre of UTair.

Representatives of the Defense Ministry of Italy had an opportunity to watch the way the helicopter drops 15 tons of water from a special water reservoir over an imagined fire. The demonstration flight in Rome was conducted by UTair’s highly professional crew, which has been fighting the fires in Greece until recently and received recognition for their outstanding quality of work.

UTair boasts long-standing experience in these kind of operations outside Russia. Helicopters and crews of the airlines subsidiaries UTair South Africa and UTair Europe have been involved in fore fighting operations both in Africa and Europe for many years. UTair’s helicopter capabilities and professionalism of its crew members make it possible for the airline company to think about the establishment of a global fire fighting system.

UTair is a major helicopter operator in Russia and world’s leader in helicopter service. Its fleet numbers over 180 helicopters, including more than 20 Mu26’s, the world’s largest heavy-lift helicopter capable of lifting cargo weighing up to 20 tons, either inside the cargo compartment or in an external sling. Dozens of UTair’s helicopters implement exports contracts in various regions, from North America to South Africa. In 2005, UTair expects a 25-percent increase in revenue from helicopter exports services.