As the show closed last night EADS and Irkut Corporation were deep in talks putting the final touches to a joint venture that will officially launch a programme to develop the Russian manufacturer's Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft with Rolls-Royce BR715 engines. The partners first announced they were teaming to market the aircraft, in partnership with Rolls-Royce Deutschland, last year.
The plan is for the first flight of the BR175-powered Be-200 in 2006 or 2007, with deliveries to customers starting in 2008, said Alexei Fedorov, Irkut president.
The aim is to begin active technical evaluations on modifying the Be-200 with BR715s in September, said Victor Kobzev, general director of the Beriev Design Bureau. The project will require an investment of at least $100 million, he said.
Although it will cost more than the current Motor Sich D-436TP powered Be-200, the most critical issue is putting in place a financial structure to facilitate sales of the new aircraft. "Frankly speaking, we are more concerned about organising financial schemes to actually finance this aircraft," said Fedorov. "Most customers will lease their aircraft and we are working out leasing schemes."
Irkut and EADS are actively promoting the aircraft in western markets. Earlier this year, major US fire-fighting company Hawkins & Powers Aviation signed a letter of intent to take delivery of eight BR175-powered Be-200s. "We are currently working with Hawkins & Powers to make a firm contract for Be-200s," said Fedorov.
Formalising the joint venture will cement an increasingly close relationship between EADS and Irkut. The two companies signed a strategic framework co-operation agreement at the ILA show in Berlin in May to enter new markets.
Family
In March, Irkut began making components for Airbus A320 family aircraft, and the company plans to tender for further Airbus contracts, as well as become involved on EADS projects, said Fedorov.
"I also have an interest in having EADS as an investor in Irkut and a strategic partner," said Fedorov. He would like to see EADS buying up to a 10% stake in the company by acquiring newly issued shares. "I want to put the money into the company to invest in programmes like the Be-200," he said.
An EADS investment would require the support of the Russian, French and German governments, said Fedorov. "We are waiting for answers," he said, with a positive response expected before the end of the year.
MARK PILLING
Source: Flight Daily News
