ZHUKOVSKY, Moscow region. Aug 19 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Helicopters holding will deliver 20 Mil Mi-171 helicopters to the Airfreight Aviation LTD company based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
"An appropriate contract was signed between the Ulan Ude aircraft plant, which produces such helicopters, and the Airfreight Aviation LTD company during the MAKS 2009 air show," Russian Helicopters General Director Andrei Shibitov told a news conference on Wednesday.
"This deal with the Airfreight Aviation LTD company will help seriously strengthen our foothold in the region," Shibitov said.
The next stage will involve the establishment of a joint venture to maintain Russian-made helicopters, he said.
"Russian Helicopters backs the idea of a switch from the sale of products to the sale of a whole product life cycle," Shibitov said.
The transport version of Mi-171 helicopters will be handed over to the customer in 2010, he added.