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Controversy around the financing of the A400M

The large loan can be used to finance part of the additional costs of the Airbus A 400M? More precisely, the envelope of 1.5 billion dedicated to aeronautics of the future. No, says Jean Arthuis, the centrist chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate. "It would contradict everything we have voted, because the credits were for the green plane of the future and that the A 400M, this is not the plane of the future," he said.

This track is actually considered by the government must find a solution to finance the share that goes to France in support of the additional costs of the program. EADS, Airbus' parent company, and seven states customers have agreed on a share of the 7.6 billion financial slippage.The countries have agreed an extension of 3.5 billion euros.

For France, the bill amounts to 950 million including 550 million to cover the rising price of the unit and 400 million in the form of repayable advances on future export sales. The Department of Defense will draw from its budget to fund the increase in price but not advances. Because they are not granted an extension for Airbus to plug a hole but a loan with a rate of interest which the State should pay heavily. As far as the A400M carries a fine international career where his potential is estimated at between 300 and 400.

Another track

The 400 million will be financed from departmental funds, has already said Herv? Morin, Minister of Defense. For supporters of the use of large loan, the A400M is a good candidate.They said it meets the eligibility criteria because it is an aircraft of the future – will be commissioned in 2013 and his life revolves around 40-50 years – it allows Airbus to develop a new range of 'aircraft, it uses 25% of composite material of the future in aerospace, it is still under development, it combines technological innovations that will have benefits in civilian industries, it will create 12 000 jobs in France.

Finally, highlights a very good judge of record, it is mentioned nowhere in the eligibility criteria that excludes borrowing large military aircraft. Technically, the proponents of the use of large loans have a strong case but respects he mind? It is less certain. It will be Rene Ricol, Commissioner General for investment, to judge.

Unless another solution is chosen.It would transfer into the basket of large loan funds research before its adoption, were housed in the general budget of the State. Then, the flexibility found would be used to finance repayable advances from the general budget.

The arbitration shall be made by Matignon in the coming months. But, says one, there is no urgency because the funds will not be paid to Airbus before one or two years.