Airbus Military is planning to hold talks with the South African government over its participation in the A400M program and its future airlift and aerial refueling needs after next month’s soccer World Cup.
“We understand that South Africa has a pressing issue with the World Cup, but we hope they will give attention to the airlifter issue after it is over,” Airbus group CEO Tom Enders told Engineering News Online during one of the company’s recent press briefings.
“Without clarity on South Africa’s road map in this regard, it will be very difficult to defend South Africa’s workshare in the program.”
South Africa cancelled its order for eight A400Ms last year as a result of the ongoing delays to the military airlifter program. As a program partner, South African companies Aerosud and Denel Saab Aerostructures were responsible for some design, engineering and development work on parts of the aircraft.
