Airbus Delivers First A400M to Belgian Air Force

The Belgian Air Force has received its first of seven A400M military transport aircraft from Airbus Defence & Space. The aircraft was handed over to the customer at the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain and subsequently performed its ferry flight to the 15th Wing Air Transport in Melsbroek, where the aircraft will be based.

This A400M, known as MSN106, will be operated within a binational unit composed of a total of eight aircraft, seven from the Belgian Air Force and one from the Luxembourg Armed Forces, said a statement from Airbus Defence & Space.

Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space, Alberto Gutierrez said: “With the delivery of this aircraft all launch customers are now equipped with the A400M. MSN106 will join Luxemburg’s aircraft in the binational unit operated jointly with Belgium. Despite challenges due to Covid-19, our teams have achieved all 10 aircraft deliveries scheduled this year, bringing the global fleet in operation to 98 aircraft.”

The second A400M for Belgium will be delivered in early 2021. – shp/airbus/nz (Photo: Airbus Defence & Space)