Finnish composites component manufacturer holds talks with Boeing and also targets A400M transport
Finnish manufacturer Patria says it is "in discussions" for possible work packages on Boeing's 7E7 and is targeting the proposed Airbus A350 programme as a priority for its composites component business.
The company is also continuing to hold talks with Airbus Military on the A400M airlifter programme despite the Finnish air force's official lack of interest in the project.
Seppo Seppala, executive vice- president of Patria Advanced Solutions, says the company is also seeking increased work from Embraer as part of efforts to "balance the risks and fluctuations of the market".
Patria has invested €20 million ($25.8 million) in an extensive redevelopment of its composites capabilities at Halli in southern Finland over the past three years. Additional automation capabilities are planned to speed up materials handling in the facility.
The company holds contracts up to 2008 to produce composite spoilers for the Airbus A380, with initial deliveries starting in May this year. The company is a long-term participant on the A320 programme. Patria also manufactures the rear fuselage on the Embraer ERJ-145 and has so far delivered 200 sections.
Patria is reporting interim net sales of €234 million and an operating profit of €2.1 million for the first nine months of 2004. The results represent a €74.4 million increase over the same period in 2003.
Aviation sector sales totalled €49.2 million, marginally down on €49.8 million for the same period in 2003. Aviation sector operating profits fell to €1.7 million compared with €2.9 million in 2003.
The company says the decrease is largely due to restructuring of its aviation activities and acquisition of the remaining 50% of Helsinki-based Pilot Factory in March. The company is giving high priority to the development of commercial and military training services and is negotiating a multi-year turnkey services arrangement with the Finnish air force for all pilot training, including basic jet training.
PETER LA FRANCHI / TAMPERE
Source: Flight International
