Aviation International News reports, “France has become the first nation to deploy the firefighting capabilities of Airbus Defence and Space’s A400M tactical transport in a real-world setting. While tests of the modified aircraft were conducted earlier this year, the ongoing blazes in the southwest of the country prompted officials to rush one of the twinjets into firefighting service on July 25.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
Tag: France
China’s GDAT Buying 50 Airbus H160 Helicopters
Aviation International News reported that during French President Macron’s state visit to China, Chinese helicopter lessor and operator GDAT announced a contract to purchase 50 H160 intermediate-twin helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. The deal, worth more than $700 million, is the largest single order to date for the H160 on the civil and parapublic market. The two companies also signed a strategic cooperation agreement on support and services capabilities.
Full Story (Aviation International News)
France to Test Electric Air Taxis Before 2024 Summer Olympics
The Hill reports that France “is set to begin testing electric air taxis in the coming months, with the goal of launching them in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics.” The flying taxis “will be tested at a hub outside Paris at Pontoise” in the hopes of establishing two flight paths to the 2024 Olympics from both Paris airports and two southwest suburbs, respectively.
Full Story (The Hill)