The first production A400M soars on its maiden flight

Airbus Military marked a key milestone towards delivery of the initial A400M with today’s successful maiden flight of the first production aircraft. This new-generation airlifter, designated “MSN7,” took off from Seville, Spain and returned there after a smooth 5-hour, 42-minute trip. The French Air Force is the first customer scheduled to receive an A400M, with its initial delivery planned for the second quarter of 2013.