Charting a helicopter/chopper in Yakutia

A scientist planning expedition to the Lena River delta in 2009, asked about possibilities to charter a helicopter from Tiksi and who he should be in contact with.

Yes, it is possible to charter a helicopter from Tiksi. The Polar Airlines has got a couple of MI-8 (for 22 passengers, 3 tons load capability) in the airport. Besides, a helicopter can be also rented in any republic's airport.

The Polar Airlines headquaters’ contacts:

Andrey V. Koryakin
Executive Director
Polar Airlines
Tel. +7 (4112) 44-31-28,
Fax. +7 (4112) 44-33-14, 44-33-39

Commercial Dept.:
tel/fax +7 (4112) 44-31-16 (recommended to use)
palair@yakutia.ru
http://www.polarair.ru/

But we must warn that a helicopter rent is expensive. In 2008 one hour rent costs 140000 rubles (approx. 5000 USD / 4000 EUR).

A helicopter might be the only reliable means of getting to hard-to-reach places in the Lena Delta or mountain area.