Kazakhstan's first A400M Atlas transport aircraft completes inaugural flight.

On June 10, 2024, Airbus Defence announced that the first A400M Atlas transport aircraft for the Republic of Kazakhstan completed its inaugural flight, marking a critical step ahead of its scheduled delivery in the latter half of 2024. The aircraft, with production number MSN139, departed from the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain. During its five-hour flight over the regions of Huelva and Seville in southwest Spain, the aircraft's engines and systems were thoroughly tested. The flight concluded with the aircraft's return to Seville.
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As of 2024, the A400M is operated or has been ordered by several countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Luxembourg. (Picture source: Airbus Defence)

Prior to this flight, the first engine run and taxi tests were conducted in April 2024 as part of the aircraft's certification process. Kazakhstan's order for two A400M military transporters, placed in 2021, included provisions for platform maintenance and training support. At the time of the contract signing, Airbus had committed to delivering the first aircraft in 2024, a schedule that appears on track.

Kazakhstan became the ninth confirmed customer of the A400M, joining the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, and Malaysia. This order was confirmed on September 1, 2021, and included a comprehensive suite of maintenance and training support. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to collaborate on maintenance and overhaul services, with the initial step of establishing a local C295 maintenance center.

Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, noted that this new contract brought the total number of A400M orders to 176 aircraft. With over 100 units delivered and more than 100,000 flight hours accumulated, the A400M has reached a level of maturity that meets the expectations of many potential customers. The A400M is designed to accommodate a range of missions, including military, civil, and humanitarian operations, enabling Kazakhstan to deploy capabilities rapidly over long distances and access remote areas.

Powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines, each generating 11,000 hp, the Airbus A400M can achieve a maximum speed of 889 km/h and a service ceiling of 12,200 meters. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

As of 2024, the A400M is operated or has been ordered by several countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Luxembourg. Indonesia also has plans to acquire the aircraft. The A400M's versatility is demonstrated by its use in various operations, such as the UK's evacuations in Sudan and support missions in the Falkland Islands and the Middle East.

The production and delivery of the A400M are managed by Airbus Defence and Space, with the final assembly occurring in Seville, Spain. To date, approximately 124 A400Ms have been delivered, with about 60 more on order. Recent milestones include the delivery of the seventh and final aircraft for Belgium in January 2024 and the first of two units for Kazakhstan, which was rolled out in April 2024.

The Airbus A400M Atlas was developed to address gaps in military transport capabilities, bridging the needs between the C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III. Overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the program began in the early 2000s with partner nations France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg, under OCCAR's management. Despite facing significant challenges, including engine issues and weight problems that led to delays and cost overruns, the first flight occurred in December 2009, and the first operational delivery to the French Air Force was made in August 2013. By 2016, the program had incurred substantial financial losses but continued due to the capabilities it provided.

The A400M Atlas, which has become an integral part of many air forces, features a maximum range of 3,300 kilometers and can cruise at a speed of 781 km/h. Its cargo hold has a volume of 340 cubic meters and can accommodate payloads up to 37 tons, including heavy and oversized equipment such as helicopters and infantry fighting vehicles, which exceeds the capacity of previous-generation airlifters like the C-130. The A400M can perform various roles, including strategic airlift, tactical missions, air-to-air refueling, and medical evacuation. It can transport 116 fully equipped troops or paratroopers and operate from short, unpaved airstrips, enhancing its operational flexibility. These capabilities position the A400M as a notable asset for military and humanitarian transportation globally.