Series Production And Industrial Launch Approved
Airbus Military has given the green light to the industrial
launch of the A400M airlifter and approved the start of series
production. This follows a thorough review of all aspects of the
program which demonstrated that all readiness criteria were
fulfilled. The go-ahead means that the first four series aircraft
will be produced in 2012 and the production rate will gradually be
ramped up to 2.5 aircraft per month by the end of 2015.
“The industrial launch is a very important milestone for
the program. It is also excellent news for the suppliers and
workforce who depend on the program and who can now look forward to
producing the A400M in the years ahead," said Airbus Military CEO
Domingo Ureña.
As the aircraft moves into production, Rafael Tentor, who has
led the program for four years, is handing over responsibility to
Cédric Gautier, currently President and Chief Executive of
EADS Sogerma, who will lead the program to certification, delivery
and entry into service of the aircraft with the launch customers.
He assumes his new duties April 1.
“My most sincere thanks go to Rafael for all the work he
and his team have performed over the past years. His enormous
commitment and dedication have enabled the A400M to become the
aircraft it is today”, commented Domingo Ureña.
“Rafael has led the program back on track, to first flight
and initial Flight Test. The industrial launch means a turning
point. I am convinced that, with all his engineering and above all
industrial expertise, Cédric will be the best person to
manage this new phase leading to type certification, series
production and entry into service.”
As of April 1st, Rafael Tentor is becoming Head of Airbus
Military aircraft programs, covering the Light & Medium C212,
CN235 and C295, as well as the A330 MRTT and all other conversions.
He will replace Javier Matallanos who will be assigned special
projects by the Airbus Military CEO.
Following a graduation at the Ecole Centrale in Nantes (France)
in 1985, Cédric Gautier began his career in the Engineering
Department with Aerospatiale Espace et Défense (now part of
EADS-Astrium) where he moved up to head Les Mureaux production in
1997 for Aerospatiale Matra Lanceurs. In 1999 he was named Head of
EADS-Astrium Integration and Production before being appointed Head
of Industrial at EADS Sogerma Services in 2006, and subsequently
being promoted to president and CEO of EADS Sogerma in 2007.
Airbus Military holds 174 orders for the A400M from eight
customers. Civil Certification is due by year end, with first
delivery to first customer/operator, the French Air Force, by the
turn of the year 2012 / early 2013.