United Helicopters International Group has signed a deal with Russian Helicopters for 10 helicopters for multiple Chinese operators, Russian Helicopters said. The agreement was signed during International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS 2017

"China is interested in exploitation of high-quality civil helicopters. Russian-made helicopters have great potential in the civil market because of their unique design features and advanced flight characteristics,” said Andrey Boginsky, Russian Helicopters CEO. “Our Chinese partners can attest to that after havin operated Russian helicopters for many years. I am confident that our delivery which for the first time includes a medical Ansat, will contribute to renewal and strengthening of China's helicopter fleet."

Deliveries are set to take place this year and next. Russian Helicopters said United Helicopters is to receive five Ansats for medevac, three Mi-171 for cargo transport and two Ka-32A11BCs for firefighting.

"China is currently experiencing a boom in the medical market. We anticipate widespread use of medical aviation. Chinese government sets high requirements to medical institutions for technical reliability and high efficiency in operations to save people lives,” said Li Xuefeng, managing director of United Helicopters. “Such are Russian-made helicopters, already known all over the world. Ansat with medical module is known as a helicopter with outstanding characteristics. This helicopter is a fully-fledged air ambulance with complete medical equipment including ICU, oxygen, doctors and emergency operating facilities and even more. In addition, Ansat has the lowest cost among competitors in the class. Chinese government, showing concern for its citizens and constantly improving the level of safety and quality of life, plans to buy a lot of such rotorcrafts in the near future to fully meet the needs of the population."