EADS' C-295 Multi-Mission Airlifter is Demonstrated to the Bureau of Land Management...

Business Editors

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2004

EADS North America

-- The Twin-Engine Aircraft is Well Suited to U.S. Firefighting,

Disaster Response and Land Management Duties

-- Dedicated Website (www.C295-Tour.Com) Provides Day-by-Day

Updates of the C-295's "All American Tour"

The EADS North America's C-295 multi-mission airlifter was presented to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management today during a stopover of the "All American Tour" in Boise, Idaho.

Presentations on the C-295's capabilities were made to representatives of the National Office of Fire and Aviation - which handles aircraft operations for wildfire/resource management missions within the Bureau of Land Management.

Also attending the briefings were smokejumpers, who parachute in to fight wildfires from the front lines.

With its excellent handling qualities and large cabin, the C-295 is well suited for Bureau of Land Management missions that range from deployment of smokejumpers to disaster response, photo mapping and forest management.

The C-295's extensive "All American tour" - which began May 17 - is going coast-to-coast with briefings and familiarization flights in 10 states: Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Idaho, California, Oregon, Alaska, South Dakota and Vermont. It is organized by Washington, D.C.-based EADS North America and by EADS CASA North America - which represents the EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division that designs, manufactures and commercializes the company's family of light and medium transport aircraft.

Prior to its arrival in Boise, the C-295 was in Texas, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia for presentations to U.S. Army and National Guard officials and aviators. The C-295 is a candidate for the Army's intra-theatre airlift missions, which have become increasingly important as U.S. troops are deployed to conflict areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ralph Crosby, EADS North America's Chairman and CEO, said the C-295 "All America tour" comes at a time when intra-theater lift capability is increasingly important for the U.S. in its deployment and support of forces at home and abroad. "The lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with homeland security needs within North America, have underscored the necessity for a capable, and efficient, medium-sized airlifter," Crosby explained. "The C-295 is perfectly tailored for these missions. As an in-production, in-service aircraft, it offers a no-risk solution to the U.S. military's mission requirements."

The multi-mission C-295 is the largest member of EADS' family of light/medium military transport aircraft. It offers the best value for users - with acquisition and direct operating costs that are lower than any other aircraft in its category. The C-295 retains the proven mission and handling characteristics of the smaller EADS CN-235, which has been sold to more than 20 countries worldwide, including the U.S. for the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program's maritime patrol mission.

Updates during the C-295's North American tour are being posted daily on a special Website: http://www.c295-tour.com. This Website includes details on the EADS military airlifter family, interviews, photos and video clips.

About EADS North America

With headquarters in Washington, D.C., EADS North America is the holding company for the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $6 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 100,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With ten operating units and investments in 38 cities and the District of Columbia, EADS offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets. In 2003, EADS generated revenues of EUR 30.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 109,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the world's largest helicopter supplier, Eurocopter.

For more information about EADS North America, visit www.eadsnorthamerica.com or contact Diane Murphy at (202) 776-0988, or email: diane.murphy@eadsnorthamerica.com