Airbus Opens A400M Wing Plant; Says Program on Track
The Royal Air Force moved a step nearer to getting its new and highly advanced strategic and tactical transport aircraft - the A400M - with the official opening of the aircraft's Wing Assembly Centre at the Airbus UK plant in Filton, near Bristol, today.
The facility was opened by Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Drayson, before an audience of 800 guests, including many of the workforce at Filton- where 900 jobs will be secured.
The opening of the plant is a vital milestone in the programme, which is underpinned by UK commitment of some £2Bn and will see the RAF get 25 state of the art transport aircraft early next decade -each capable of carrying a 25 tonne payload to trouble-spots around the world.
Lord Drayson, Defence Procurement Minister said:
"The A400M is a vital part of the UK's future military capability. I am delighted therefore to open this fantastic facility, which is an important step towards delivering the aircraft to the seven partner nations. The A400M wing was designed here in the UK and basing the manufacturing facility here in Filton, further reinforces the UK's tradition as Europe's centre of excellence for hybrid composite wing technology."
Components for the A400M's wings are arriving in Bristol from a network of suppliers spanning seven European countries, Malaysia, South Africa and the United States. UK suppliers also form a key part of the supply chain for the overall project. GKN, Rolls Royce and Messier-Dowty, amongst others, all have significant work in supporting the development of the platform.
The Filton plant will be responsible for assembly of the A400M's wing structure, the installation of internal systems and associated testing. Once completed, wings will then be taken to Seville, Spain, where aircraft final assembly will take place.
Wing manufacturing activities are already gathering pace with many parts already delivered and the facility is now ready for increased workflow over the coming months. (ends)
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