KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has been honoured by aircraft manufacturer Airbus for being the first A400M operator to log more than 10,000 flight hours worldwide, last year.
Airbus Defence and Space Asia-Pacifc head Johan Pelissier presented the award to RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan to commemorate the milestone in a simple ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Dutamas.
The event was held in conjunction with the biennial Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 and National Security Conference Asia (NATSEC) 2022.
The event was also attended by Airbus chief representative in Malaysia Raymond Lim, Airbus Defence and Space (Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei) head Jose Corcia and Airbus Defence and Space for Malaysia head Addi Faiz Adnan.
"Having achieved more flight hours and flight cycles than any other A400M operators, the RMAF is recognised as the A400M global fleet leader, serving as a valuable reference for all existing A400M customers and Airbus.
"In operation with the RMAF since 2015, the A400M has already changed the customer's airlift operation, playing a key role in all mission types.
"These include cargo and personnel transport, humanitarian and disaster relief missions, transport of heavy equipment, in support of the national strategy in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, medical transport, as well as air-to-air refuelling operations," said Pelissier.
He added that RMAF recently upgraded one of the A400Ms with tactical capabilities, enabling the aircraft to perform missions such as aerial delivery, full paratrooper deployment or low-level flight.
The RMAF became the programme's first export customer and is the first A400M operator in the Asia-Pacific region with four aircraft.
The A400M, dubbed a next-generation transport aircraft, is designated as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities as it can be adapted to perform long-range cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, aerial refuelling, and electronic surveillance missions.
Compared to the RMAF's existing Hercules C130H and CN235, the aircraft can carry twice the load over intercontinental distances at speeds comparable to a jet aircraft.
It can also land on short or unprepared airstrips close to the scene for military or humanitarian operations.
The delivery of the aircraft began on March 9, 2015, with the second, third and fourth aircraft delivered in Jan, June and March 2017.
Meanwhile, Pelissier said Airbus was well positioned to meet Malaysia's needs in defence and maritime security and reiterated Airbus' commitment to growing its presence and support in Malaysia.
Looking ahead, Pelissier expressed confidence that its proven C295 MPA is the perfect choice for Malaysia. Airbus is participating in the country's maritime patrol aircraft tender, which is currently awaiting the government's decision.
"The C295 is a military platform that represents the best combination of value and capability. It is designed for the very demanding MPA missions. With an aircraft proven track record in similar operations, the C295 MPA offers the lowest risks, yet the best acquisition, operating and life-cycle costs in its category," said Pelissier.
The C295 MPA is equipped with Airbus' state-of-the-art mission system – Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and comprehensive sensor suites, which makes it the only military MPA platform in-service today that is highly robust and tactically ready at any time.
Pelissier added: "With growing needs in the region, including Malaysia, for fleet modernisation and renewal of legacy assets, we believe Airbus is well placed to offer an A400M-C295 strong mixed fleet solution to support both strategic and tactical requirements.