The A400M became reality on May 28th 2003 albeit, as some would have it at the time, virtual reality.
Since then, the A400M programme has rapidly progressed from idea to concept, from concept to design, and from design to production.

The A400M programme is advancing very fast and Airbus Military is counting down to the delivery target. For this reason it has been decided to establish a dedicated line of communication to inform our customers, our industrial partners, our suppliers and of course our colleagues of the progress being made.

A400M Countdown will appear on a regular basis from now on in order to keep you informed on the progress of all aspects of the A400M programme.

The A400M programme is now moving into the industrial phase. The numerous events in the last two and a half years show that the A400M programme is well on track... starting from 2003 with the launch contract for 180 aircraft for seven Nations.

Since then, the design specification has been frozen; production drawings have been released, equipment has been chosen, suppliers contracted, tooling is being delivered and new, dedicated production facilities have been and are being built.

The first major contractual milestones have been met on or ahead of time and some major long-lead items delivered. The Final Assembly Line (FAL) will be ready to accept tooling in mid 2006 and will be commissioned at the end of the year. The A400M’s first flight is due to take place at the beginning of 2008 and the first aircraft will be delivered to the first customer in the autumn of 2009.

The production phase has thus started and the six Aircraft Component Management Teams (ACMTs) are now fully engaged in pre-production testing and manufacturing of components for the first aircraft. “Metal” is now being cut in all partners’ industrial installations around the world, as can be seen in this edition’s centre spread.