European aerospace industry turnover rose by 7.2% in 2000 to more than €72 billion ($61.5 billion), according to figures released by AECMA, the European industry's association. Order intake totalled €290 billion by the end of 2000, reflecting 18% growth on the previous year. Civil business drove the increase, with exports rising by 12.7% and domestic sales increasing by 8%. Military sales slowed by 3.9%, a less dramatic fall than 1999's 40% drop, but the continuing downturn remains a concern to industry. Operating profit also fell. during the period, to 5% of turnover from 1999's 7%. AECMA secretary-general Roger Hawksworth blamed the drop on a number of "one-off" events that are not expected to reoccur this year.
Source: Flight International
