Airbus Military maps out its future plans
Airbus Military is making its international “debut” at the 2009 Paris Air Show, underscoring this new business unit’s capabilities to support operators’ airlift requirements from light tactical transport to strategic force protection and aerial refuelling.
The Paris Air Show is Airbus Military’s first major international event since the former military transport aircraft division of EADS was fully integrated into Airbus last April. Domingo Ureña-Raso, the head of Airbus Military, said the air show provides an excellent opportunity to underscore his new business unit’s identity with both customers and key suppliers.
Ureña-Raso said the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) remains a priority for Airbus Military. The first A330 MRTT is being prepared for delivery to the Royal Australian Air Force, and Airbus Military will be ready to support the A330 MRTT’s entry in the new U.S. Air Force tanker competition – where the aircraft is being offered by EADS North America and Northrop Grumman. “We are number one in tankers, and will continue to be number one,” Ureña-Raso explained, noting the A330 MRTT already has been selected for service with the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. .Airbus is also moving forward with the A400M high-speed turboprop airlifter, which was specially designed to meet the needs of European NATO nations, as well as the requirements of international air forces. “We are closer and closer to the day when this aircraft will be in-flight and we can demonstrate its performance,” Ureña-Raso sai
