EADS asserted that the A400M military transport aircraft’s

development was on track, in compliance with the revised schedule. The group said “the first A400M, dubbed MSN001, has just left station 40, where all its software systems have been connected and where the electrical system has been successfully tested”. EADS added that engine installation was now underway and the “dedicated flying test bed” is being prepared to start the flight tests “shortly”. Reuters recalls that the A400M programme is already six to twelve months behind the initial schedule. Reuters (14/04)