The National Civil Aeronautics Institute (Inac), as part of modernization of airports and air transit management, bought three MI-172 helicopters. The aircraft arrived last June 28th to upgrade the search and rescue service in the event of air disasters.

The equipment was negotiated with Israeli IAI and Russian Kazan. Helicopters include night and infrared sights, room for 14 stretchers with vital support equipment, all-purpose electronic search systems and western avionics. The latter is related to placement of instruments and digital information for air navigation with reference to the geographical area of Latin America and Venezuela.

The Venezuelan Government invested USD 26 million in the three choppers containing the tools and spare parts necessary to operate. In accordance with the agreement, maintenance is ensured for five years.