Eurocopter President Fabrice Brégier has overseen rapid growth at the Franco-German helicopter manufacturer, with important successes for the Tiger attack helicopter in competitions in Spain and Australia over the last 12 months. So what lies ahead? Where are the growth areas for Eurocopter and will 2004 be the year in which the business finally cracks the most difficult nut of all - the US defence market? Fabrice Brégier spoke to Paul Derby
Q: Given that we are here in Singapore, how important a market is Asia Pacific to Eurocopter? Do you see this as a growth region?
A: There is no doubt it is important. We do hope to see growth in this part of the world, but you must remember that we have been in Asia Pacific for the last 30 years. Having a local presence is vital to us.
We have a joint venture with Singapore Technologies, operations in Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan and we are committed to operating in Asia Pacific.
Q: You talk about growth. Where does this potential lie?
A: I see two places in particular. China has vast opportunities and our partnership with China Aviation Industry Corp II (AVIC II) is an example of our intention to grow our business in China.
Here in Singapore we are hoping to win the competition to supply eight naval helicopters. We are supporting two bids. Cougar offers a mature platform, a state-of-the-art mission system and commonality with the existing fleet.
With the NH90 there is a growth platform with some truly leading edge technologies, selected already by nine countries.
Q: You are in the final stages of a competition in Australia for the Air 9000 requirement. What has been your approach to winning this order?
A: The local approach. We have demonstrated to the Australian government since winning with Tiger in Australia that we have increased our footprint in the country and with that come the industrial benefits.
I think there are lessons we have learned with Tiger that we can bring to Air 9000 and we have the support of our Australian aerospace subsidiary. But we must wait and see.
Q: Tiger won the competition to supply Spain with a next-generation attack helicopter. How is that relationship developing?
A: Spain is not a customer for Tiger, it is a partner. I have said before that I see Spain as the third European pillar for this programme. We have consolidated our operations in Spain with CASA. There is a very strong Spanish industry involvement and Spain will have the opportunity to contribute to the Tiger programme in future - and not just for its own aircraft, but for future orders.
Q: Investment in new technology is crucial in this industry. Where is Eurocopter focusing its efforts?
A: There are a number of areas I would point to. We are developing all-weather technology for our helicopters which I think will prove very important in terms of safety in the years ahead. An NH90 prototype has flown using fly by wire controls with no mechanical back-up for the first time and we are also investigating the potential of fly by light.
Our aim is to maintain a technical edge in the future and to have a family of aircraft with very few gaps - to be as complete as possible.
Q: There is speculation that Eurocopter plans to make headway in the US defence market which has traditionally been a very difficult market to enter. What is the position?
A: Our focus has been on establishing and growing our civil business. The homeland security market is obviously important and we have done good work in selling aircraft to date. We are watching the progress of the presidential helicopter competition with interest and we are certainly keen to sell military aircraft into the USA, but there is nothing imminent.
Q: Where will Eurocopter's growth come from this year? Will it be civil or military?
A: In 2003 our business was pretty much 50:50. Our predictions are that the civil market will continue to grow at a rate of between three and four per cent, but that the real opportunities lie in the military sector. We aim to have revenues of Û3 billion from military business by 2005.
Source: Flight Daily News
