Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant will deliver 20 Mi-171 transport helicopters to UAE-based Airfreight Aviation under an agreement signed at the MAKS-2009 airshow currently being held in Russia.

The helicopters can transport up to 26 people on passenger seats or 37 troop members with full equipment and a cargo payload of up to 4,000kg.

The helicopters can also be used in search and rescue operations and for patrolling, medical emergency airlifting and military operations.

In future, Ulan-Ude’s holding company Russian Helicopters will form a joint venture with Airfreight Aviation for maintenance and after-sales service of the helicopters.

The Mi-171s will be delivered to the aviation firm in 2010.