DSA 2012 : A400M Arrives in Asia

The Airbus Military A400M made its first appearance in Asia this week when it arrived in Malaysia to take part in DSA 2012.


The aircraft arrived at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Airbase as part of its Asia tour, where a welcome ceremony took place today in the presence of the Chief of the RMAF Gen Tan Sri Dato' Sri Rodzali bin Daud.

According to the company, the visit will give the Malaysian government and RMAF a chance to see the A400M at first hand. The RMAF has ordered four A400Ms and the company believes there are also a number of other potential customers in the region.


Airbus Military Senior VP for commercial, strategy and industrial relations, Asia, Ignacio Alonso said: 'It is with immense pleasure and pride that we bring the A400M to our highly valued customer, the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Malaysian government. During the visit of the A400M here in Malaysia we will show the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft to the Chief of the Air Force and the Minister of Defence as well as other Air Force staff and invited guests.

'The A400M will perfectly respond to the national and international needs of the Royal Malaysian Air Force as well as allow the most effective participation in humanitarian missions. We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation with Malaysia.'

This year the company is expanding the aircraft’s capabilities to achieve its full potential - short field and unpaved runway operations, air drop of equipment, and air to air refuelling. As part of the envelope expansion the aircraft was also recently in South America for high altitude testing when it made a brief appearance at the FIDAE air show in Chile.