The European EADS group and the Russian Irkut Corporation have signed a Strategic Framework Cooperation Agreement at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin. The purpose of this agreement is to set out the framework and principal areas for cooperation on which the parties agree to work together to establish a long term beneficial and stable partnership.

“This agreement reflects the close working relationship between the two companies”, said Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, the CEOs of EADS. “Irkut and EADS will support each other in penetrating new markets.“

Alexey Fedorov, President of Irkut Corporation stated: “EADS and Irkut are exploring several areas of cooperation like the joint marketing of the amphibious aircraft Be-200 and the maintenance of European helicopters operated in Russia. The Strategic Cooperation Agreement will foster our joint efforts in these and other fields.”