The selective application of advanced technologies only in areas where these can demonstrate clear added value has long been an Airbus hallmark, giving Airbus products a distinct competitive edge.
The A400M has been sized to have the best balance of cargo load weight and volume. This enables the aircraft to achieve an average per sortie payload of around 70% of total aircraft payload. Only the A400M matches its maximum payload, and therefore aircraft weight, to the required 'outsize' volume of today's modern loads. This is important, as an aircraft's weight largely determines its acquisition and operating & support costs.
The acquisition price is only a portion of the total costs of owning and operating an aircraft. The Life Cycle Costs (LCC) are also affected by downstream fuel and other operating & support costs. These will vary for each type of aircraft owing to many factors such as types of engine, aircraft size, and technology employed. A fair comparison can be obtained by calculating the LCC corresponding to the aircraft fleet required to perfom a typical mission.
A fleet of 50 A400M airlifters represents an acquisition cost of 5bn-Euros and a 30-year total LCC of 10bn-Euros. When compared to a corresponding fleet of competing aircraft required to obtain the same overall airlift capability, the A400M will have the lowest 30-year life cycle cost.
