First operational deployement for an A400M Atlas (French Air Force in Mali).

Sunday, December 29, 2013, the French Air Force has made between Airbase Number 123 Orleans Bricy and Bamako Airport, Mali, is the first operational mission for the tactical aircraft Airbus Military A400M Atlas.

After taking off from its base at 10:30 the A400M made a 6:40 flight, carrying cargo for the benefit of French military personnel involved in the operation Serval in Mali. On board the aircraft carried 22 tons of material.

Since August 2, 2013, the date of receipt of the first Atlas by the Air Force, the crews of the Multinational entry into service team (MEST) of Orleans have made flights of experimentation and training. The first operational mission therefore occurs only five months after the arrival of the A400M in the forces, and it is the numbered copy MSN8 received there less than two months, which was carried. This shows the confidence placed by the Air Force in this unit, as well as all the teams responsible for its implementation.

The MEST is actually experimenting with 2 aircraft. The first operational mission now, shows the capabilities of the plane and is a step towards its full operational service, expected in late 2014.