The Beriev Be-200 Altair is a modern Russian multipurpose amphibian aircraft of the new generation. It was created and produced by the Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex of Mr. G.M. Beriev. The first flight of an amphibious aircraft took place on 24 September 1998. Be-200ES can be used for forest fires, disaster relief, water search and rescue, sanitation and freight transport. It is operated by the Russian Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Aviation of Azerbaijan. At present, serial Be-200`s are being built for the Russian Navy Maritime Aviation.