Wed, Jan 18, 2012
Eurocopter, Astrium, Cassidian All 'Solid' Performers
Airbus' parent company EADS also reported 2011 as a year of
growth and improved performance. Along with the commercial airline
numbers, EADS said it saw solid performance in its Astrium,
Cassidian and Eurocopter divisions.
At a joint New Year’s press conference with Airbus, EADS
CEO Louis Gallois said: “Our record order book and the strong
net cash position are a testimony for the Group’s strength
and visibility. EADS is a cash and growth machine. Now it’s
time for growing profitability.”
EADS says it continues to closely monitor the macroeconomic
environment and further increases its global competitiveness by
driving forward Group-wide optimisation programs. In support of
Vision 2020, the Group realized important acquisitions in the
services business in 2011. Airbus acquired the Danish company
Satair A/S as well as US-based Metron Aviation, while Astrium
acquired Vizada in France and Eurocopter purchased Canada-based
Vector Aerospace. “These acquisitions have been significant
steps to foster our internationalisation and particularly to
increase our services business“, Gallois said.
Moreover, EADS says it continued on its dynamic innovation path.
Throughout 2011, the A320neo evidenced Airbus’ capability to
technologically advance a mature product in order to satisfy urgent
market requirements. Eurocopter unveiled its new EC145 T2, achieved
speed records with the X3, initiated flight tests of an AS350
hybrid helicopter demonstrator, and launched the X4 programme. In
the space sector, ESA contracted Astrium to design, deliver and
operate the European Data Relay System, making Astrium the company
to offer the most advanced telecommunications highway in space.
Furthermore, the second Automated Transfer Vehicle took to space,
representing one of five successful Ariane 5 launches in 2011 and
bringing the total number of consecutive launches to 46. In its
Unmanned Aerial Systems business, Cassidian inked cooperation
agreements on drones with Alenia Aeronautica and TAI and celebrated
the roll-out of the transatlantic EuroHawk program.
While the defence business saw the delivery of the 300th
Eurofighter, the Group also expanded its global security business
as exemplified by the Saudi Arabian Border Security program.
EADS said that due to the group's strong performance, its share
price gained 38% between 1 January and 31 December 2011 –
being the best performer of the CAC40 and second best of the MDAX
indices.
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