Airbus Initiates Construction of A400M Maintenance Centre in Wunstorf

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Airbus Initiates Construction of A400M Maintenance Centre in Wunstorf

Wunstorf, 9 October 2023 - Airbus has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to the aviation industry by constructing a state-of-the-art A400M maintenance center in Wunstorf. The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Wunstorf Air Base - the operational base for the German Air Force's A400M military transport aircraft - was graced by Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schöllhorn, alongside prominent figures from politics and the German Armed Forces.

Key Highlights:

Distinguished Attendees: The ceremony saw the presence of eminent personalities, including Parliamentary State Secretary to the Minister of Defence Siemtje Möller, Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil, Germany’s Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, and Vice President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) Ralph Herzog.

Operational Readiness by Mid-2027: The new maintenance center will be fully functional by mid-2027 and will employ around 300 personnel dedicated to servicing and maintaining the A400M aircraft.

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CEO's Vision: Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the A400M's decade-long reliable service to the German Armed Forces. He highlighted the new maintenance center's role in enhancing the collaboration with the German Armed Forces and improving the A400M's availability and operational capability.

Strategic Location: Stephan Weil, Minister-President of Lower Saxony, lauded Airbus's decision to establish the center in Wunstorf, noting its strategic proximity to the air base and Hannover airport. This location ensures seamless maintenance and operational readiness of the A400M aircraft, which is crucial for the country's security and disaster relief efforts.

A400M's Indispensable Role: Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, Chief of the German Air Force, underscored the A400M's pivotal role in supporting Bundeswehr missions to NATO air forces and providing emergency aid during natural disasters. He cited recent evacuation missions from Kabul and Sudan as a testament to the aircraft's indispensability.

Job Creation and Infrastructure: The A400M maintenance center, adjacent to the Air Transport Squadron 62 (LTG 62) in Wunstorf, represents an investment in the low three-digit million range. Airbus aims to create 300 new jobs, primarily in aeronautical engineering, with a gradual increase in personnel starting from 2025. The center's completion is slated for the end of 2026, with operations commencing by mid-2027, post-approval from the German Armed Forces Airworthiness Office.

Establishing the A400M maintenance center in Wunstorf signifies Airbus's unwavering commitment to enhancing aviation standards, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the A400M's continued operational excellence in the years to come.