Article Posted on : - Apr 18, 2014

A400M for Turkey during its maiden flight in August 2013. Photo: Airbus Military.

SEVILLE,SPAIN (BNS): The Turkish Air Force has taken delivery of the first A400M new generation transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space at the company's A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain.

The aircraft, which is the third production A400M, will be flown to Kayseri air base in central Turkey where it will initially be used for training, according to the company news release.

The aircraft, which represents the third production A400M, had completed its maiden flight in August 2013.

In Turkish Air Force service the A400M will replace the C-160 Transall offering a dramatic increase in air transport capability to the armed forces.

Around ten A400M aircraft were ordered by the Turkish Air Force in May 2003 to help address its cargo transport requirements, and replace its existing C-160 Transall twin turboprop transporters fleet.