Viking Signs Deal for 10 Twin Otter Series 400 Aircraft with Rosneft, Russia

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia, and RN-Aircraft, a Rosneft subsidiary based in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, have signed a multi-aircraft purchase agreement for ten Viking Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to be delivered between November 2015 and early 2017.

The aircraft are destined for the Krasnoyarsk region in south central Russia, where they will be used in multiple roles including 19-passenger regional commuter, corporate shuttle, and cargo operations. With optional float and wheel/ski installations available, the basic aircraft can also be modified for use in water- based locations or during winter conditions on snow and ice.

Rosneft selected the Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to service the company’s business in remote areas due to its ability to efficiently and reliably perform in extreme conditions on unprepared ground and short- field sites.

“The selection of the Twin Otter by Rosneft confirms that this aircraft is a credible and cost effective alternative to helicopters currently found in Russia and CIS when it comes to utility air transportation,” commented Dominque Spragg, Viking vice president Strategic Planning.

Further to the MOU announced at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show for the development of a dedicated Twin Otter facility in Russia, discussions are still ongoing between Viking and Moscow-based Series 400 sales representative Vityaz Avia with the goal to provide customers such as RN-Aircraft maintenance and service offerings in-country.