On 30 May 2016, the official rollout ceremony was held in Taganrog for the first Beriev-made series Be-200ES amphibian aircraft for the Russian Ministry of Emergencies.
Before that, the aircraft used to be assembled at the Irkutsk Aircraft Plant, but the production subsequently moved to Taganrog. For the purpose of mass production of the Be-200ES, Beriev Aircraft PJSC established hi-tech production facilities, procured equipment, upgraded process lines, workshops and composite structure production facilities, and recruited and trained personnel. In the near future the aircraft is expected to pass flight tests and be handed over to the customer.
The rollout ceremony was attended by the President of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yuri Slyusar, the Director General and General Designer of Beriev Aircraft PJSC Yuri Grudinin, the Governor of the Rostov Region Vasily Golubev and the Head of the Southern Regional Center of the Ministry of Emergencies Igor Oder.
"I am sure that Beriev Aircraft PJSC will develop not only as an enterprise engaged in repairs and development activities, but primarily as the center of Russian and, to a great extent, global seaplane building, because our country is the leader in this industry", emphasized the UAC President.
Yuri Slyusar specifically noted that "We are witnessing a second birth of the much-needed and demanded aircraft as supported by the successful operating experience and by examples of its use in emergencies in Russia and abroad - in Greece, Portugal or France. Keen interest in the aircraft is also shown in Indonesia".
"This year the company's production is expected to achieve more than a double volume, and this pace will be maintained in the future. We find it important that the enterprise will function steadily, which means that the labor market, too, will be stable. I am confident that development of the enterprise will enable to resolve social issues of the city residents and the enterprise itself", said the Governor of the Rostov Region Vasily Golubev while emphasizing the importance of the event for the entire Don region.
The Head of the Southern Regional Center of the Ministry of Emergencies Igor Oder noted that the Russian Ministry of Emergencies has been operating the Be-200ES aircraft for more than a decade. "The enterprise is now facing a great future, with the big production base already in place and the certification and airworthiness centers expected to be established. These prospects give every reason to hope that the enterprise will see revival and will enjoy the past glory and pride. The main thing is to keep the approaches and people who are able to create such important aircraft".
According to the Director General and General Designer of Beriev Aircraft PJSC Yuri Grudinin, based on the past operating experience and upon request of the customers - the Russian Ministry of Emergencies and the Russian Ministry of Defense - the aircraft has incorporated significant upgrades: the aircraft has been upgraded by more than 50% in terms of equipment and by up to 70% in terms of airframe. Beriev Aircraft PJSC is currently performing contracts for the production of the Be-200 amphibian aircraft for the Russian Ministry of Emergencies and the Russian Ministry of Defense.
