‘In principle’ deal reached on A400M

An in principle agreement has been reached between partner nations and EADS on the future of the A400M transport, according to Spain’s defence minister, Carme Chacon.

The announcement was made at a meeting of European defence ministers in Spain where future funding for the ailing project was discussed. “I am able to tell you with great satisfaction that we have reached an agreement in principle between the seven countries participating in the A400M program and the EADS company,” Chacon told media, adding that EADS was yet to formally respond to the offer.

EADS CEO Tomas Enders also expressed confidence that the project could move forward. “I think we’ll get a very significant contribution,” he told Reuters. “We are confident that we can now continue the project.” Enders had previously stated that he was less than 50 per cent confident in the future of the project.