After four years of heavy losses, Franco-German helicopter group Eurocopter has reported a turnaround in its fortunes in 1996, with Fr12.24 billion ($2.21 billion)-worth of orders for the year - an increase of 75% over 1995, with 228 civil and military helicopters (along with 80 used machines) sold.
Eurocopter president Jean-François Bigay predicts a return to balanced books this year, with turnover for the year expected to be Fr9.3 billion. Military orders accounted for 64% of business.
Bigay is pinning hopes for 1997 on a go-ahead for industrialisation of the Franco-German Tiger attack helicopter, ending what he calls the "game" being played by the governments over securing the future of the programme.
A positive decision would lead to orders for 80 aircraft from each partner, the first Tiger to be delivered in 2001.
Financing problems continue on the NH90 utility helicopter under development by Eurocopter, Italy and the Netherlands, France having delayed funding its part of the programme because of its decision to delay delivery of the initial machine until 2011. The shortfall amounts to some Fr700 million, which is being effectively self-financed by Eurocopter, contributing, it says, to its current Fr1.5 billion debt burden.
Source: Flight International
