Monday, February 21, 2011

IDEX: Airbus Predicts Mideast A400M Sales

ABU DHABI - Airbus Military sees potential sales of 50 to 100 of its A400M military airlifter in the Middle East and North Africa, Didier Vernet, head of market development at the aircraft company, said Feb. 21 at the IDEX trade show.
Asked about export prospects for the turboprop transport plane in the Middle East region, Vernet said, "Yes, we have prospects."
Airbus Military estimates the world market for military airlifters to total about 800 units over the next 30 years as replacements for the current 1,800 transport fleet. The European company hopes to snare about half the replacement market with the A400M, which aims to hit the segment for payloads of 25 to 50 tons.
The planned KC-390 from Brazil and the Lockheed Martin C-130J would grab sales in the market segment for 12- to 25-ton payload.
Airbus Military hopes the A400M will meet requirements for flying heavier armored vehicles, humanitarian equipment and helicopters.
The company needs to sign contract changes agreed with the seven European launch customers before it can begin selling the A400M to potential export clients.
With a total of 174 units ordered - 170 for the European nations and four for Malaysia - Airbus would fit export deliveries around the planned production of 2.5 to three units per month that is expected from around 2015-2016.
Export prices for the A400M would depend on the mission package selected - 50 "plug in" options are offered - the number of units and services required.
Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Spain and Turkey are the seven European launch customers. Britain has canceled three orders and Germany seven for the A400M amid budget constraints.

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