EADS: A400M Decision has High Impact on Further Integration of Europe - Largest Contract Ever
Amsterdam, 18 December 2001
Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, the Chief Executive Officers of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company welcomed the final decision of eight European nations to purchase a total of 196 Airbus Military A400M transport aircraft. "This is the largest contract for EADS since the company's creation," said Camus and Hertrich. "It is proof of the complementarity between our civil and defence activities." EADS will also expand its multi-mission aircraft business.
"A400M is one of the first common procurement projects with a highly political and economic impact on increased European integration," said the CEOs. "We are glad that we are now able to start this important programme."
The CEOs added that "EADS has become a strong competitor in the promising market of military transport aircraft. The A400M is the most modern air lifter available and will be the best choice for customers worldwide."
"A400M is one of the first common procurement projects with a highly political and economic impact on increased European integration," said the CEOs. "We are glad that we are now able to start this important programme."
The CEOs added that "EADS has become a strong competitor in the promising market of military transport aircraft. The A400M is the most modern air lifter available and will be the best choice for customers worldwide."
The signature took place during a meeting of European NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels. The contract was signed between Airbus Military and the European Defense Purchasing Agency OCCAR. The first aircraft is due to fly in 2006, with the first customer deliveries beginning in 2008.
The airlifter will be developed and built by Airbus Military of Toulouse, which unites Airbus (an EADS Company with BAe Systems, 64%), EADS (25,5%), TAI (Turkey, 5%), Flabel (Belgium, 4%) and Ogma (Portugal, 1,5%). Alberto Fernandez, CEO of EADS CASA as well as Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division has been appointed as the President of Airbus Military. The Military Transport Aircraft Division is responsible for the A400M programme within EADS. The final assembly line of the A400M will be located at the San Pablo facility in Seville, Spain.
Contact:
EADS Corporate Communications
Rainer Ohler
+49 89 607-34235
Miguel Sanchez
+ 34 91 585 77 89
Roland Sanguinetti
+ 33 1 42 24 24 26
