Russia's air transport giant UTair has signed an agreement with Eurocopter to build a new maintenance centre and develop new interiors for a fleet of EC 175 helicopters.

AINOnline reports that the company is also looking to build a new EC 175 training centre in Russia to serve the domestic oil and gas industry.

"We believe the EC 175s are going to be the best helicopters to transport passengers to oil and gas platforms, as well as for utility missions and corporate transportation missions," said Alexi Vinogradov, head of UTair's helicopter division.

The company operates more than 200 craft and has had a presence in the oil and gas industry for more than 35 years.

Both UTair and Eurocopter will work on the development of a new interior for the EC 175 to cope with the rigours of servicing oil and gas platforms and carrying out other industry tasks.

Eurocopter is also focusing on the development of new state of the art simulation facilities to familiarise workers with its diverse fleet.

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