On a cold December day in 1991, as Russia underwent profound changes, a new airline was born in the city of Perm. Named “Gelix,” it evoked notions of swift ascent and freedom. This was an era of dismantling outdated structures and the emergence of new formations. Helicopters humming over the vast expanses of the Urals became a symbol of hope for those seeking to connect the country’s remote corners with its center. Thus began the story of Gelix Airlines, a company that, for over three decades, has carried cargo and people to places where roads end.
In its early years, Gelix was a modest enterprise. Its core consisted of Mi-8 helicopters, designed in Soviet times under the guidance of Mikhail Mil. These reliable machines could land on small clearings in the taiga or deliver equipment to oil rigs. Unaffected by frost or wind, they formed the foundation of the company’s reputation. In 1994, just three years after its founding, Gelix received a certificate authorizing its operations in the skies. This marked the first step toward recognition, a sign that the dream was gaining solid ground.
By the turn of the century, the company stood firmly on its feet. In 2001, it reached another milestone, solidifying its status as a certified carrier. A significant turning point came in 2008 when another Perm-based airline, Perm Airlines, ceased operations. Part of its helicopter fleet was transferred to Gelix. These machines enabled the company to expand its horizons, sending crews farther afield—to Western Siberia and Yamal, where oil and gas set the rhythm of life.
Gelix’s helicopters became an integral part of this rugged world. They transported shift workers to drilling sites, carried heavy cargo suspended on cables, and provided critical support when time was of the essence. In search-and-rescue operations, where lives hung in the balance, Gelix pilots landed their machines on the slopes of the Ural Mountains or in dense forests to evacuate those in need. Their work was not merely a profession—it was a mission.
Over the years, Gelix continued to grow. In 2021, the company took a bold step forward by signing an agreement with the Kazan Helicopter Plant and the Russian Helicopters holding company. Four new helicopters were set to revitalize its fleet. Yet, an even more unexpected move was the addition of IL-76 aircraft. These giants, nicknamed “workhorses” for their power and endurance, opened a new chapter for Gelix. The company could now transport not only supplies for oil workers but also entire helicopters, medical equipment, or industrial structures.
The IL-76 transformed the scale of Gelix’s operations. Previously focused on regional tasks, the company could now tackle global challenges. Its planes flew to Africa and Asia, delivering humanitarian aid or equipment to regions where other carriers hesitated to venture. Yet Gelix remained true to its roots, with helicopters continuing to operate over the Urals.
Today, Gelix is no longer the small firm it was in 1991. Its fleet, though not the largest, is carefully selected for the most demanding tasks. Mi-8 helicopters, including modern Mi-8MTV models with enhanced electronics, work alongside three IL-76 aircraft. This combination of light and heavy aviation makes Gelix a unique player in the market, capable of delivering cargo to remote taiga or transporting multi-ton equipment over long distances.
Beyond the skies, Gelix has also turned its gaze to the ground—or rather, to the world of unmanned aviation. Its subsidiary, Ural Unmanned Systems, received authorization to operate drones for monitoring pipelines or delivering small cargo. This move reflects the changing times, with Gelix striving to stay at the forefront of innovation.
The company’s journey has not been without challenges. Competition in Russia’s aviation industry remains fierce, with giants like Utair setting high standards. Economic difficulties, rising fuel costs, and sanctions have added complexity. Yet Gelix has found ways to navigate this turbulence. Its strength lies in its flexibility and ability to meet clients’ needs, whether an oil company requiring urgent delivery or a rescue service needing a helicopter in the mountains. The company’s leader, Vadim Baldin, has often emphasized that the key to success lies in moving forward and embracing challenges.
Today, Gelix looks to the future with cautious optimism. Its plans are ambitious: modernizing the fleet, advancing unmanned aviation, and strengthening ties with the oil and gas sector. The company is undergoing accreditation to work with major enterprises and continues to seek new opportunities. Its helicopters and planes are more than machines; they are a link between people, regions, and even countries. From the snowy expanses of Siberia to the scorching deserts of Africa, Gelix carries out its mission to connect and assist.
The story of Gelix Airlines is one of a small Perm-based company that grew into a player known far beyond the Urals. It is a tale of people who believe in the sky, machines that never fail, and a dream that endures. As long as the rotors of the Mi-8 and the engines of the IL-76 hum, Gelix will soar forward, toward the cargo, people, and new horizons awaiting it.