On August 20, 2004, a Be-200 amphibian set out on its way to Italy from the Beriev Design Bureau (TANTK) airfield in the city of Taganrog. The aircraft has been leased to the Civil Protection Department (Protezione Civile) of Italy and will be operated by an Italian fire fighting systems’ operator – the SOREM company – until the end of the fire risk season on a leasing agreement with TANTK. SOREM is an official operator of the Canadian CL-415 amphibians belonging to the Civil Protection Department.
In June 2004, three Italian pilots underwent training at the TANTK training base. They highly esteemed Be-200 performance in their report to SOREM leadership. The Russian Side provides Italy with the aircraft and its maintenance with the necessary amount of spare parts and support equipment. The aircraft will be flown by joint crews of Russian and Italian pilots. Based upon results of the aircraft experimental operation in Italy, the country will consider feasibility of Be-200 purchase for its civil protection needs.
Conclusion of the leasing agreement was preceded by Be-200 demonstration to the Italian Prime-minister Silvio Berlusconi at he Sardinia Island within the frames of the Russian President Vladimir Putin formal visit to Italy in August-September 2003. At a joint press conference, Vladimir Putin stated that there were no equivalents to this aircraft and it would be right and useful to have a group of the Russian Be-200 in the European Union forces. In his turn, Silvio Berlusconi pointed out that such aircraft would be definitely useful for Italy and that’s why the Civil Protection Department would consider feasibility of its usage.
Representatives of some countries that are going to modernize their fire protection fleets, expressed their intention to visit Italy in order to attend Be-200 operation and evaluate its efficiency under real conditions.
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The multi-purpose Be-200 amphibian jet is designed for fire fighting, rendering medical assistance in distress areas; patrol, search and rescue operations on water; sanitary and cargo transportation. During one flight the Be-200 is able to carry out multiple scoops of up to 12 tons of water, its delivery and drop on fire sites using precise navigation and flight control systems.
The Russian Ministry for Emergencies (EMERCOM) has become the first Be-200 customer signing a contract in 2001. The contract provides for delivery of 7 Be-200ChS aircraft (“ChS” stands for “Emergency Situations”) to the Russian EMERCOM by 2007. Two first Be-200ChS have already entered service and successfully implemented tasks of fire fighting at an oil platform in the Baltic Sea as well as rescue operations in the course of the International Exercises “Kaliningrad-2004” in June 2004.
In July 2004, IRKUT Corporation signed an agreement with the EADS to establish a JV for joint marketing of the Be-200 amphibians. Joint marketing research by IRKUT, EADS and Rolls-Royce showed high potential demand for the Be-200 aircraft for the next 20 years. Except for Be-200 marketing and sales, EADS will be conducting aircraft JAR and FAR certification as well technical maintenance using its existing after-sale support network.
Currently, IRKUT and EADS are holding joint negotiations regarding possible operation and delivery of the Be-200 aircraft with some European countries of the Mediterranean region and South-East Asia nations.