The seven European partner nations in the Airbus Military A400M airlifter program have formally signed a contract amendment with EADS which implements funding changes agreed to in principle in a framework agreement signed in March last year.
The agreement sees program funding increase by €3.5 billion in total, including a €1.5 billion ‘export levy facility’, effectively a loan to be repaid from proceeds of export sales of the airlifter.
“This is a major milestone, and EADS is particularly proud to have the support of all governments involved in this cooperation program that represents a strategic capacity for Europe and its defence, and for the new generation of military transport worldwide,” said EADS CEO Louis Gallois.
Four flying A400M test aircraft have to date completed 450 test flights over 1400 flight hours.
“From an industrial point of view, the program is on track. This enabled us to agree, with full confidence on the industrial go-ahead of the program over a month ago,” said Domingo Ureña, Airbus Military CEO.
The seven European partner nations and Malaysia have placed orders for 174 A400Ms.
