10-Jan-2013 Source: Helihub.com
Omsk Flight & Technical College have taken delivery of two Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopters just prior to Christmas from Eurocopter Vostok. These are the first two helicopters in their fleet from non-Russian manufacturers, having previously exclusively used Mi-8s. They also fly An-2 fixed wing aircraft.
The primary motivator for the purchase was to reduce costs, said College principal A G Yakush, adding that the College will start using their two new AS350B2s in June. They are also expecting to place orders for a further six for delivery between 2014 and 2020.
“We are proud that the Omsk College has revamped its fleet with models of Eurocopter family. The fact that this educational centre had not previously worked with foreign producers has emphasised the importance of our cooperation”, – said Rigolini Laurence, CEO of Eurocopter Vostok.
The two aircraft are registered as RA-04058 and RA-04059
Nikolai Vanesev – Helihub.com Moscow correspondent