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February
EADS inaugurated its Singapore Research & Technology Centre to extend the Group’s research organisation. It will manage and broker projects for the Business Units in close cooperation with Singaporean scientific institutions and, additionally, run research projects in its own facilities. A further enlargement of the global 
R&T footprint is expected for mid-2007, when EADS will establish a training and research and development centre in Qatar.
April
The new EADS Air Refuelling Boom System successfully completed the first phase of its flight test programme. In only three years, EADS has developed this fly-by-wire boom technology to supply the world’s most advanced tanker aircraft. During 2006, the system was installed in the first out of five A330 MRTTs (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) to be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force.
May
At EADS Astrium in Bremen, the Columbus space laboratory was made ready for its first flight and shipped to the United States. Engineers have spent approximately ten years developing and building the multi-functional Columbus for the International Space Station (ISS). It is scheduled for launch in autumn 2007 on board of a US Space Shuttle.
June
Eurocopter received a further boost for its NH90 in the form of an order for 43 latest-generation transport helicopters. Then, at the end of the year, Spain confirmed a contract for 45 of their tactical transport (TTH) version of the NH90. The first three completed NH90s were handed over to the German Army at Eurocopter’s Donauwörth facility in December 2006.
July
Airbus presents the A350XWB, its new Extra Wide Body Family. The new family will consist of four passenger versions and one freighter, completing the Airbus long-range product for the 21st century with the most modern and technologically advanced products. Increased range and speed, enhanced passenger comfort and the best economics will make the A350XWB a reference for the future. Despite industrial problems, Airbus received strong backing for the A380 at the Farnborough Airshow.
August
EADS received the contract to construct the digital radio system for the German security authorities and organisations (BOSNet). Within the scope of this contract, EADS will act as a prime contractor and construct a nationwide TETRA digital radio network by 2010. Earlier in 2007, the German Ministry of Defence gave its go-ahead for the development, testing and support of the unmanned signals intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance system EuroHawk.
October
Airbus reached an agreement with the Chinese customer CASGC for the purchase of 150 A320 Family aircraft and a Letter of Intent for 20 A350XWB. This represents the largest single transaction ever achieved by Airbus. Under a Framework Agreement with a Chinese industry consortium, Airbus will set up a Final Assembly Line for the A320 Family in Tianjin.
EADS and its freighter conversion centre EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke) signed an agreement with the leading Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut, preparing the foundation of a Joint Venture responsible for the conversion of Airbus A320 Family aircraft into freighters.
December
EADS North America delivered the US Army’s first UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter in Columbus, Mississippi. This marks the beginning of a major defence programme, with a requirement for up to 352 rotary-wing aircraft. The first delivery came three months ahead of schedule and six months after the selection of EADS North America as the prime contractor for the LUH programme.
For the A380, a turbulent year 2006 ended with the type certification by the European and US aviation authorities. This came after the successful completion of a stringent trial programme to ensure the aircraft meets or even exceeds all airworthiness criteria.
