Russian Ambassador Visits 558 Aircraft Repair Plant in Baranovichi

Mikhail Babich, Special Representative of the Russian President for the development of trade and economic cooperation with Belarus and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Belarus, visited 558 Aircraft Repair Plant JSC (558 ARP) in Baranovichi on 12 December 2018.
During the tour of the plant, the Russian ambassador met with Roman Golovchenko, Chairman of the Belarusian State Military Industrial Committee, and Pavel Pinigin, director of 558 Aircraft Repair Plant JSC.
Pavel Pinigin told Mikhail Babich about the history of the enterprise, which dates back to 1941, and its current activities. According to Pinigin, one of the key activities is the repair and modernisation of Su-22, Su-25, Su-27, Su-30, MiG-29 aircraft, and Mi-8 (Mi-17, Mi-171), Mi-24 (Mi-35) helicopters.
558 ARP JSC is engaged not only in the modernisation of aircraft, but also produces sophisticated high-tech equipment, which is used in a variety of areas related to air force.
Mikhail Babich familiarised himself with aircraft overhaul processes and the plant’s capabilities in the field of aircraft modernisation and production of weapons, military equipment, parts and components in the interests of aircraft manufacturing companies.
The Russian diplomat visited the plant’s museum, which has more than 300 exhibits collected by people who are passionate about aviation and their work. These exhibits are evidence of the most important events in the history of the enterprise. Mikhail Babich also visited the airframe repair and modernisation shop and the aircraft assembly, adjustment and ground testing shop where he acquainted himself with the algorithm for overhauling aircraft.
Mikhail Babich was also shown new production facilities set up during the implementation of the 2012–2015 programme aimed at modernising the enterprise, namely the aircraft components production shop, which is equipped with high-tech equipment, where components are manufactured, including for Russian aircraft.
Orders are being fulfilled for the production of parts and assembly units for the Be-200 amphibious aircraft manufactured by Beriev Aircraft Company and for the medium-haul passenger aircraft MS-21 manufactured by Irkutsk Aviation Plant. 558 ARP produces about 70 types of cylinder group units for Russian-made civil aircraft. The enterprise also participates in cooperation chains for the production of aircraft components for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.
The Belarusian enterprise has been successfully cooperating with Russian partners, among which are the flagships of the Russian defence industry, such as Irkut Corporation, Beriev Aircraft Company and NPO AeroVolga.
The Baranovichi-based 558 ARP carries out warranty and maintenance service of aircraft for Russian companies.
Mikhail Babich noted the importance of further expanding cooperation between 558 ARP and Russian defence companies. To achieve high results, we need deeper cooperation in all activities, given that 558 ARP not only services Russian aircraft, but also manufactures products that are in demand in Russia.