EASA gives nod to A400M

The A400M has received initial type certificate from EASA. (Airbus Military)

Airbus Military’s A400M airlifter has received initial type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency as it moves toward first delivery expected by the turn of the year.

The receipt of the Restricted Type Certificate is a step toward full civil type certification, which Airbus said it expects to receive by mid-year following the completion of 300 hours of function and reliability flight tests.

The five-aircraft A400M test fleet has completed more than 3,100 hours in the air despite what Airbus described as “continued engine challenges.” The airlifter has recently toured Latin America and South East Asia.

“Achieving civil and military certification of the A400M as foreseen in the program is an immensely challenging task,” A400M program head Cedric Gautier said. “It is deeply satisfying to receive this initial certification.”