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Berlin mulls "sanctions" against EADS for A400 M delays

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Berlin, Jan 7, IRNA
Germany-Military-A400M
The German government is seriously contemplating "sanctions" against the European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Company (EADS) for delaying the delivery of its Airbus A400M aircraft.

Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung has been "clearly considering sanction possibilities" against EADS, deputy defense ministry spokesman Christian Dienst told journalists in Berlin on Monday.

"The contract clearly regulates delivery delays and the minister will take advantage of it," he added.

Dienst stressed his ministry was "not thrilled at all" over the half-a-year delay of the A400M.

The weekly Wirtschaftswoche reported earlier in the day that EADS may have to further postpone the maiden flight of its Airbus A400M aircraft, which is presently slated for July.

EADS confirmed in October that deliveries of the first A400Ms will be delayed by six months, with the possibility of a further six-month postponement.

Part of the A400M aircraft problems are linked to the plane's engines, problems have now also emerged with the fuselage and the wings.

The A400M military transport plane is supposed to replace the ageing Transall fleet of the German air force.

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