Airbus Enlarges A400M Facilities in Spain

MADRID — Airbus Defence and Space has increased its facilities for the A400M military transport plane in Seville after renting a new hangar to update and maintain aircraft in service. A French Air Force A400M is already being modernized there.

This announcement comes four months after the crash of an Airbus A400M during a test flight in Seville, killing four of the six people on board and seriously injuring the other two.

The production plan for this year is under review following that accident. However, Airbus DS is still targeting at least 13 aircraft in 2015. The UK Royal Air Force will be the next client to receive an A400M.

Five national air forces include the aircraft in their fleets: France (6), United Kingdom (2), Turkey (2), Germany (1) and Malaysia (1).

The first A400M was delivered in 2013. A total of 174 have been ordered, but the company has been having difficulties meeting its delivery schedule, prompting Airbus to shake up its management program in January.

Airbus DS is moving the headquarters of the A400M program from Toulouse, France, to Seville, a change that will involve the arrival of 100 extra engineers in Seville.

Email: evillarejo@defensenews.com

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