9 March 2010

Airbus Military's first A400M arrived today in Toulouse, France, where the multi-role airlifter will continue its flight test programme.

Touching down at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport following an evaluation flight performed in the Seville region of Spain, the aircraft was welcomed by Airbus Military head Domingo Urena-Raso.

This new-generation transport is built by Airbus Military in Seville, where the aircraft made its first takeoff on 11 December and has since logged more than 40 hours of flight test activity.

In testing performed to date, the no. 1 aircraft has flown at the A400M's maximum operating speed of 300 kt. (555 km./hr.), achieved the maximum Mach number of M0.72, and reached an altitude of more than 30,000 ft. It has operated extensively in both the direct and normal control laws of its fly-by-wire flight control system.

The first A400M is equipped with heavy test instrumentation, as is the no. 2 aircraft - which was handed over to Airbus Military's flight test department at Seville on 6 March, and is due to fly in the coming weeks.

A third A400M is undergoing final production ground tests before engine installation, with its maiden takeoff planned for mid-year from Seville. Sections for a fourth aircraft are arriving in Seville for final assembly, enabling it to join the flight test programme in the second half of this year.

Five aircraft will be used in the A400M's flight test and certification programme, logging a planned 3,700 flight hours before the start-up of deliveries in late 2012. Trials with three of these aircraft will be performed from Toulouse, while the two others will be operated from Seville - providing greater flexibility and taking advantage of the best weather conditions where available.

The A400M is designed to meet the 21st century airlift needs of the world's armed forces. Its use of advanced technologies enables the aircraft to perform both tactical and strategic/logistic missions, combining high speed and long-range flight capabilities with the ability to deliver payloads to short, soft and rough airfields. The A400M's large cargo hold is specifically designed to carry outsized equipment needed for both military and humanitarian disaster relief missions, and the airlifter can bring this material quickly and directly to where it is needed most.

3 February 2010

Airbus' first purpose-built cargo jetliner is drawing significant attention as the world's air cargo industry continues to recover from the recent economic recession.

3 February 2010

Airbus' first purpose-built cargo jetliner is drawing significant attention as the world's air cargo industry continues to recover from the recent economic recession.

18 January 2010

The 6,000th jetliner produced by Airbus in its 40-year history is an A380, which was received by Emirates during a ceremony at the Hamburg, Germany delivery centre.

12 January 2010

Speaking at the New Year's press conference, Airbus managers said the strong order backlog and its flexibility to manage delivery slots in response to customers' needs will position the company to cope with market challenges in 2010 and beyond.

23 December 2009

Deliveries of 11 A320 Family aircraft in 2009 from Airbus' new Tianjin, China final assembly line symbolises the company's increasing internationalisation of its development, production and outsourcing system.

11 December 2009

A highly successful maiden flight has opened the A400M airlifter's test and certification programme, which will lead to this multi-role aircraft's military service introduction in late 2012.

4 December 2009

The eight winning images from Airbus' "See the bigger picture" competition for young people are to be exhibited at key locations during the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.

25 November 2009

The newest A380 operator - European launch customer Air France - has begun the first European-U.S. revenue service with Airbus' 21st century flagship jetliner.

19 November 2009

During the 2009 Dubai Airshow, Airbus announced new commercial orders and commitments, unveiled a next-generation aerodynamic enhancement for the A320 aircraft family, and underscored its growing presence in the dynamic Middle East market.