European civil aerospace continues to boom and sector giant EADS is profiting, returning unexpectedly high sales figures for the first half of 2011
EADs, which functions in both the civil and defence aerospace markets and is owner of UK firm, Airbus, displayed strong 2011 sales figures today reflecting a general bouyancy in the civil sector.
Much of this success comes off the back of recent success at Airbus, which EADS owns. Airbus is thriving off the phenomenal reception its A320neo has claimed after its launch earlier this year at the Paris Air Show.
The innovative new model of the already popular A320 has swiftly become the highest selling commercial aircraft in history. Last month American Airlines placed an order which was claimed as the largest single aircraft ever for 260 Airbus A320 aircraft.
EADS has today reported sales of Eu21.9bn, a figure which represents a rise of 8% on the close of 2010. It took Eu58.1bn in the first half of 2011.
However, although the record breaking sales and orders show that the civil aerospace market is lively net profits have in fact fallen for EADS. First half 2010 figure were 41% stronger than those reported today. EADS has said that the weakening dollar is to blame for offsetting their robust sales book. Difficulties in the defence market may also have a part to play.
EADS and Airbus are not thriving without competition however. The same record order from American Airlines which Airbus celebrated this week included another order for 200 Boeing 737s.
