Aircraft

Airbus Military has released this image of the first A400M fitted with four flightworthy engines and propellers. This marks another step forward in the development of the long-awaited transport aircraft, which had its formal roll-out in June 2008.

Louis Gallois, chief executive of EADS, Airbus’ parent company, said yesterday that it was looking increasingly likely that the A400M would make its debut flight in December. He also expressed confidence that the countries involved in the project will all commit to continuing it when they meet for negotiations in October. “Our hope is to fully convince them" by the end of this year, he said.

© Airbus Military