Russian aviation firm UTair signed a firm order yesterday for 15 Eurocopter EC 175s, with options for another 15. Participating in ceremonies at the Eurocopter booth (No. 631), were Eurocopter president/CEO Lutz Bertling (left) and senior executive v-p Philippe Harache (right) with UTair Aviation CEO Andrey Martirosov. Eurocopter’s heavy twin rotorcraft program was launched two years ago and EASA certification is anticipated in 2011. UTair is the largest Russian private operator. Also at Heli-Expo, UTair signed an separate “operational alliance” with Eurocopter Vostok, which includes procurement of 20 Ecureuil AS 350B3 helicopters, as well as acquisition of a full-scale maintenance center and a training academy.