EADS order book swells to 170 billion Euro

EADS reports a production order book worth some 170 billion Euro through to the next 6 years; non-European customers have generated 65% of the order backlog. Lead programmes at EADS include the A340-500/600, A380, A400M, the military helicopters Tiger and NH90, and export programmes originating out of the formation of MBDA.

As reported yesterday on DSD, the signing of the A400M Memorandum of Understanding reduces some of the uncertainty over the future viability and realisation of the A400M programme. Clearly EADS remain hopeful for another multi-billion order in due course.

With the integration of the Airbus family and recent launch of the A380 'Superjumbo', the mood at EADS is upbeat. "Our ability to grow businesses world-wide indicates that we are a truly global company," said the CEOs of EADS, Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, at EADS' show-opening press conference on Monday.

EADS is particularly looking to exploit the potential for transatlantic co-operation and competition. "We are actively promoting and pursuing transatlantic co-operation wherever opportunities arise," said Camus and Hertrich. "Our joint pavilion with Northrop Grumman at the Le Bourget airshow is the most visible example of our promising 'building-block' strategy."

EADS transatlantic initiatives include projects with Northrop Grumman in defence electronics, Boeing on the Meteor missile programme, and with Lockheed Martin on the Meads programme. Further transatlantic opportunities exist with EADS teaming up with Lockheed Martin and Boeing on the NATO Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM) Defence studies.

EADS has been the driving force in European consolidation by finalising the integration of Airbus, ATR and the missile manufacturer MBDA (in formation). A stake in the Finnish company Patria, an alliance with the Brasilian manufacturer Embraer, a partnership agreement with the Russian aerospace industry, and a strong foothold in Japan are further examples of the global strategy of EADS.

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