Just what were the test points from this publicity stunt? The aircraft can fly with its ramp and cargo door open at an altitude that dosen't require suplimental oxygen. Well woopydo. The only thing being tested in this senario is the parachute.
Now if it was a drop from 35K plus, that would be testing the aircraft's ability to depressurise and repressurise whilst the crew were on supplimentary O2. Oh hang on whilst its on Civil Cert testing EASA won't let it carry an O2 system that would allow that will they.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti A400M, but I am anti EASA's head burying attitude to civil testing of aircraft that will be military operated. Then there is Airbus making big claims for little steps on a project that has been delayed due to some dubious management decisions within Airbus.