Russian state leasing firm GTLK has signed four agreements covering a total of 50 UZGA LMS-901 Baikal utility aircraft.

The four agreements all involve enterprises from the Aerokhimflot alliance.

Aerokhimflot reached a provisional deal with UZGA more than two years ago for the acquisition of 120 LMS-901s from 2026.

The alliance is an association of aircraft operators specialising in such fields as agricultural and forestry work.

Aerokhimflot says the latest contracts were signed during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, adding that deliveries are scheduled for 2027-30.

Under these contracts UZGA will develop and manufacture the aircraft while GTLK will transfer them to the alliance, under lease, “at preferential rates with state support”.

Aerokhimflot says they will be engages in a variety of operations such as aerial photography, search and rescue, and communications in the Siberian and Far East federal districts, as well as Krasnodar.

The nine-seat LMS-901 is intended to replace Antonov An-2s and An-3s.

Aerokhimflot head Klim Galiullin says: “Technical re-equipment with new aircraft is one of the most significant steps in our plan, and we are glad that we have reached this step – the almost-80-year-old An-2 aircraft is being replaced by the light multi-purpose LMS-901 Baikal.”

GTLK says improving the transport accessibility of the Far East region is a “priority”. The lessor’s newly-appointed chief, Mikhail Parnev, adds: “The serial order will ensure long-term workload for aircraft manufacturers and will contribute to the development of high-tech competencies.”