Frequently asked questions
Ansat: what kind of aircraft is it and what to consider when buying?
The Ansat is a light twin-engine helicopter from the Kazan plant (from 2013): seven to nine seats, a range of 505 km, PW207K engines and the only all-composite cabin of this volume in class — in VIP form a roomy five-seat cabin. Certified for high altitude and temperatures from −45 to +50°C — built for hot-and-high conditions. There is no flight attendant or hot meal service. There is no in-flight baggage access — bags are loaded on the ground. On short hops it typically flies routes such as Geneva–Courchevel · Nice–Saint-Tropez · Milan–Portofino. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does the Ansat cost: purchase and running costs?
Guide figures for the Ansat: average pre-owned price — $2.5M; new — $4M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $558K/year, or $1,395 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is the Russian Helicopters holding known for and which helicopters does it offer?
The holding unites the Mil and Kamov design bureaus and plants in Kazan, Ulan-Ude and Rostov. For passenger tasks the key helicopters are the light Ansat (5–7 seats in a VIP cabin) and the Mi-8AMT/Mi-171 family: the most numerous medium helicopter in the world, built in over 12,000 units. Its strength is operation in any climate from −50 to +50°C and tolerance of rough pads. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is the VIP Mi-8AMT suited for?
The Mi-8AMT is a cabin helicopter for large groups: 9–13 seats in VIP layout (up to 22 in standard), ~800 km range on main tanks and up to 1,200 km with extra tanks. It takes baggage, skis and gear without limits and lands on unprepared pads in mountains and remote terrain. A classic for corporate flights to hunting, fishing and remote sites. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are the Ansat and Mi-8 and what about service in the CIS?
The main trump card is service nearby: repair plants and parts warehouses operate in Russia and Kazakhstan, checks do not require exporting the helicopter far abroad, and the Mi-8's component life is proven by decades in air ambulance, oil-and-gas and the military. The Ansat is certified including for high altitude; its PW207K engines are serviced to global standards. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do the Ansat and Mi-8 compare in price with Western equivalents?
A new VIP-configured Ansat is about $3.5–4.5M — 30–40% cheaper than a comparable Western twin. A cabin-configured Mi-171 is $12–15M, whereas a Western equivalent of that capacity costs from $20M. The Mi-8's operating hour is also cheaper thanks to inexpensive parts and the availability of specialists in the region. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.






