Airbus has signed a declaration of intent (DoI) with the A400M launch customer nations to establish the framework for achieving a mutually binding contract amendment later this year.
The A400M launch customer nations are Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the UK.
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In February last year, Airbus called on the nations to engage in discussions with respect to readjusting the contractual set-up of the A400M programme.
The DoI is a major step taken by the company to reach a contractually binding agreement with OCCAR and the seven customer nations.
The new agreement will help reduce risks and ensure the future of the A400M programme.
OCCAR is currently responsible for managing the aircraft programme on behalf of the seven launch customer countries.
Airbus chief executive officer Tom Enders said: “This agreement with our customers is an important step to further mitigate risks remaining on the A400M programme.
“I thank the nations for their support in this complex effort and hope for their continued engagement until we sign a mutually beneficial contract amendment.
“On this basis, Airbus remains committed to the A400M and to providing our customers’ airforces with the best-ever military transport aircraft.”
The company, the European defence agency Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), and the customer nations have agreed to work jointly on several contractual elements such as an upgraded delivery plan and a roadmap for the development and completion of military capabilities for the A400M military transport aircraft.
