The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz, Germany, has awarded Airbus a contract renewal for the German Air Force's A400M In-Service Support. The new contract extends the existing agreement, which has been in effect since December 2014, for a period of 7.5 years.
This contract extension demonstrates the long-term commitment of the German government to the A400M programme. Airbus, in close collaboration with the customer, has made significant progress in recent years to enhance the availability and operational capabilities of the A400M, which has become an essential asset in the German air force's inventory. Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted the fruitful cooperation between Airbus and the customer, emphasising its potential as a successful model for industry-customer partnerships.
The scope of the contract includes a broad range of industrial technical support services for the German Air Force's A400M fleet. These services will be provided by the Airbus Support Centre at Wunstorf Air Base and the central Centres of Competence in Getafe, Spain. Airbus will ensure comprehensive coverage of scheduled Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services from its main MRO base in Manching, near Munich, as well as at Wunstorf Air Base and Hannover Airport in Germany.
Furthermore, the contract includes plans for the establishment of a new A400M maintenance facility in close proximity to Wunstorf Air Base. Scheduled to commence operations in 2027, this facility will conduct MRO services and house the Airbus A400M Support Centre, employing approximately 300 professionals who will closely collaborate with suppliers and customer representatives. Construction work for the facility will begin promptly.