OREANDA-NEWS. March 16, 2009. Two new Mi17-1B helicopters replenished the fleet of Turkmenhovayollary State National Service. In accordance with the Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan the Kazan helicopter plant, Tatarstan is to deliver the aircrafts and spare parts under the contract amounted to over USD 2 million.

The VIP class Mi17-1B helicopters are remarkable for versatility and perfect performance characteristics. The helicopters are designed for 14 passengers. The maximum flying range is 600 km.

These helicopters adapted to the geographical conditions of Turkmenistan. Today helicopters of this type are widely used for carrying out rescue operations, rendering emergency medical aid and for various purposes in fuel and energy and agro-industrial sectors.

The air fleet of Turkmenhovayollary State National Service is modernized and replenished under the development programme initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In recent years a number of the aircrafts including four helicopters produced by the Sikorsky Company and two helicopters manufactured by European Super Puma (Eurocopter) replenished the national air fleet.