First Airbus A400M cargo plane for Kazakhstan

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the first Airbus A400M to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The plane will become the cornerstone of the country’s tactical and strategic airlift operations.

Following a ferry flight from Airbus’ A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, southern Spain, the first of two Airbus A400Ms was handed over during a ceremony in Almaty, south Kazakhstan.

“Proven for over a decade in military and humanitarian operations worldwide, the A400M is a game changer for the Kazakh Air Defense Forces, delivering unrivaled tactical and strategic capabilities in a single platform,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defence and Space. “A second A400M, currently in production, will further strengthen these capabilities on its delivery in 2026.”

With the delivery of this aircraft, production number MSN139, Airbus will also provide a full range of maintenance and training support.

To date, more than 130 A400Ms have been delivered to nine countries and have accumulated 200,000 flight hours, participating in missions such as the evacuation of civilian and military personnel from Afghanistan, Sudan and Niger. The A400M can transport heavy and outsized cargo onto short, unprepared airstrips and drop up to 116 paratroopers or 25 tons of cargo.