EPI has meanwhile delivered five production-standard TP400s so far this year out of a planned run of 14 for 2012. This will rise to 30 in 2013. The recent issues “shouldn't detract from the fact that we've had very few problems. The pilots are delighted with the responsiveness, and we've delivered the last but one software releases,” says Henley, who adds that the final load is “on track” for delivery by year-end.

EPI is also working through the final elements of the in-service support contract with the French air force, which is set to take the first A400M in March 2013. Along with Airbus, EPI says it is now starting the same talks with the next nations in line, Turkey, U.K. and Germany. The Royal Air Force says the first of its 22 A400Ms will be delivered in 2014 with initial operational capability with three aircraft due in 2015. Full operational capability (FOC) is expected by 2018 when 12 aircraft should be available.