Agence France-Presse, Germany’s army will use its old military planes for longer and borrow some while waiting for the delayed delivery of Airbus’ A400M military transport, a defense ministry spokesman said Oct. 22.
Airbus’ parent company EADS said last week that delivery of the A400M would be delayed by at least six months, possibly even longer. Delivery of the new plane was initially scheduled for 2009.
Economics Minister Michael Glos told a German newspaper on Sunday that the A400M delay was “painful” and urged EADS to “do everything to avoid further damage” in the matter.
Germany has placed an order for 60 A400Ms to replace its out-of-date fleet. While waiting for the new planes, it will have to use its Transall jets longer, as well as borrow aircraft from other armies, the ministry spokesman said.
Should delivery be delayed by more than 12 months, “there would be additional costs,” he added.
