QUETTA: A Russian-made helicopter purchased by the Balochistan government in January will be handed over to the provincial authorities next week.

The Balochistan government concluded a contract with Russian Helicopters for a Mi-171 civil helicopter.

Finance Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani visited Moscow last month to finalise arrangements for delivery of the helicopter in Balochistan. The pilot and crew of the Mi-171 have already completed their training in Moscow.

The copter, which costs $15.2 million, would arrive in Lahore by June 21, and would be handed over to the Balochistan government later.

“The helicopter can be used for multiple purposes,” Mr Durrani told Dawn, adding that it would have 14 seats for VIPs and 26 for other passengers.

In case of a medical emergency, the copter could be used as an ambulance as it has the capacity to carry 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.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2017