A400M achieves initial operating clearance, first aircraft delivered

[fungus]

Airbus Military’s A400M airlifter achieved initial operating clearance on July 31, paving the way for the delivery of the first aircraft to the French Air Force.
The first A400M Atlas – MSN7 – is the culmination of 10 years of development by Airbus Military and more than 5,000 flight-test hours and involving close to 40,000 people working on program. The first aircraft will initially be used for the continuing training of aircrew before becoming part of the French Air Force operational transport fleet.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/08/a400m-achieves-ioc/