Despite the global economic downturn, France's aerospace and defence industries fared well last year. GIFAS, the French aerospace industry association, says overall revenues increased by 6.8% to €25.3 billion ($22.2 billion), with commercial activities accounting for €19.2 billion, while exports were up 11.4%. Defence sales rose by just 0.1% to €6.07 billion.
Philippe Camus, GIFAS president and EADS co-chief executive, says an upturn in the economy and air traffic next year should "inject some dynamism into the commercial market".
Dassault's turnover was €3.47 billion, down slightly from €3.49 billion a year earlier. The Falcon business jet family accounted for 76% of the total. Net profit grew 15% to €274 million, while sales increased from €4.13 billion to €4.87 billion. Thales' net income increased 18.7% to €405 million and sales rose 19.7% to €10.3 billion.
Source: Flight International