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The First Operational Experience of the New Russian Mi-171A3 Offshore Helicopters Begins at the Sakhalin-2 Project

Since July 2026, aircraft of this model have been utilised to transport personnel to the offshore oil and gas production platforms of the Sakhalin-2 project.

The ceremony was attended by Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Gazprom PJSC; Valery Limarenko, Governor of Sakhalin Oblast; Roman Dashkov, CEO of Sakhalin Energy LLC; Alexander Bachurin, Head of Helicopter Flight Operations at Gazprom Avia LLC; and Dmitry Eroshok, CEO of Natspromleasing LLC.

The Mi-171A3 helicopter, manufactured to Gazprom’s specifications for offshore field services, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of domestic helicopter manufacturing. The transition to Russian aviation technology confirms the high scientific and technical potential of the sector, its technological independence, and the competitiveness of its anchor manufacturers.

The first operational experience with this offshore helicopter is beginning at the Sakhalin-2 project, which plays an important role in the development of the Sakhalin gas production hub. Integrating the new aircraft into Sakhalin Energy’s operations will ensure the highest level of flight safety over water.

The Mi-171A3, which incorporates advanced technical solutions into its design, meets the most stringent safety requirements. The helicopter features improved post-crash survivability, a reinforced fuselage and landing gear, crash-resistant fuel tanks, and certified energy-absorbing seats for both passengers and crew.

Among the key advantages is the reduction of time for the transportation of personnel to production facilities due to a higher speed compared to the previous generation of helicopters. Aircraft controllability has been improved; for the first time, the model is equipped with a modern four-axis autopilot, enabling end-to-end automated flight along the entire route.

Given its offshore mission profile, the Mi-171A3 features passenger survival equipment, including externally mounted life rafts with an automatic deployment system. In the event of an evacuation, the emergency ditching and flotation system enables safe water landings in waves of up to five metres.

The aircraft also offers an upgraded level of passenger comfort, featuring individual air vents and enhanced cabin soundproofing.

A dedicated maintenance facility has been established on Sakhalin to service the Mi-171A3. Localising these maintenance and repair services within the region will ensure high operational readiness for the helicopters' missions at the Sakhalin-2 project.

Following the ceremony, the attendees inspected the new aircraft before it departed for Nogliki, where it will continue regular flights to transport personnel to the offshore oil and gas production platforms.

Reference Information:

The Mi-171A3 helicopter was developed in compliance with the guidelines of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP). To enhance flight safety, the Mi-171A3 is equipped with advanced avionics and onboard systems. If required, the helicopters can be deployed for search and rescue (SAR) operations. Mission times during such operations will be reduced due to an advanced rescue hoist.

31 July 2026

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