ALEXANDER CAMPBELL / FILTON
Bregier forecasts gloomy short-term outlook for civil orders, but says upturn is in sight
Rising deliveries of military helicopters should push Eurocopter sales up 40% within the next three years, says chief executive Fabrice Bregier, although he sees little prospect of expanding civil sales. He expects the EADS division's annual sales to hit c3.5 billion ($4.1 billion) by 2005, up from €2.5 billion last year.
Eurocopter's civil light helicopter range has secured a "massive market share" - over 80% penetration in the French, German and UK police sector, and 50-60% of the far larger US market, says Bregier. However, he does not foresee the company expanding sales in other countries.
"I don't expect to increase market share in the civil market," he says. "The market will grow - not this year, but later by 3-4% a year." The picture looks better on the defence side; sales of military helicopters now make up 42% of Eurocopter's revenue, but this will grow to over 50% "in two to three years", says Bregier.
With orders for Tiger attack helicopters from France and Germany in hand, Bregier is optimistic about attracting business from Spain that would be filled at a new production line at EADS Casa. He forecasts a demand for 595 NH90 transports from the NATO nations, which are covered by memoranda of understanding. So far, only 305 firm orders have been placed.
But the UK military is a less hopeful market, he concedes. Eurocopter has little chance of substituting its own aircraft for the ageing British Army Lynx fleet. That contract is likely to go to the Super Lynx upgrade being developed by AgustaWestland, he says. The contract is "not a priority for Eurocopter", says Bregier, but he adds: "Things are still open in SABR [support amphibious battlefield rotorcraft] competition."
Bregier says the NH90 would be "an ideal complement to Chinook", but Eurocopter may be the second choice. The in-service AgustaWestland EH101 is "clearly in pole position for this one".
Eurocopter plans to submit one of its light helicopters for the UK's 10-year, £150 million ($245 million) Northern Ireland requirement.
Source: Flight International
