European aerospace and defence group EADS is reporting "signs of commercial market recovery" after its 80%-owned division Airbus took 22 orders last month from China Eastern Airlines and JetBlue Airways. This follows first quarter Airbus revenues holding up at €4.6 billion. Revenue from military transport aircraft, the NH Industries NH90 and Eurocopter Tiger helicopters, and the space division, rose moderately.
Overall revenues rose 2% to €6.4 billion, and earnings before interest and taxes went up 2% from the same quarter last year to €315 million.
EADS took €3.8 billion in orders during the quarter including €1.3 billion at Airbus, but €18.9 billion in the first quarter of 2001.
EADS is predicting sales to remain the same as 2001.
Source: Flight International