There is no discussion within EADS about a scenario to withdraw from the A400M programme, contrarily to what has been circulated in the press.

Over 6,000 persons are presently working actively on the programme inside EADS, and there are ongoing discussions with OCCAR and the customer governments, the aim of which is to establish the right frame that will enable the best achievement of the progamme.

This aircraft will be the best in its category, with outsanding specifications and no alternative programme in competition on the world market.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Source: EADS