QUETTA: A Russian-made helicopter purchased by the Balochistan government earlier this year will be delivered to the provincial government next week.
The Balochistan authorities had concluded a contract with Russian Helicopters for a Mi-171 civil helicopter. In this regard, finance secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani had visited Moscow last month to finalise arrangements for delivery of the helicopter in Balochistan. The pilot and crew of the Mi-171 have already received their training in Moscow.
The helicopter costs $15.2 million and will be arriving in Lahore by June 21. Thereafter, it will be handed over to the Balochistan government.
Durrani told local media outlet that the copter can serve multiple purposes. It can accommodate 14 VIPs and 26 other passengers. In the case of medical emergencies, the copter has a capacity of carrying 14 stretchers if the seats are replaced.
The provincial government could also employ the aircraft for passenger and cargo transportation and emergency response for the army, Frontier Corps and interior ministry.
The Mi-171 is the civilian version of the Mi-17 military cargo helicopter, which is already in service with the Pakistan Army. The Mi-17 is widely used across the world due to its reliability and ability to operate in all climates.
