France's Snecma, General Electric's partner on the CFM56 engine programme and parent of landing gear and brakes specialists Messier-Dowty and Messier-Bugatti, has announced a 12% rise in sales to Fr31.88 billion ($4.75 billion) for last year, with operating profits up 51% on 1998 to Fr3.1 billion. A hefty tax bill reduced net profits to Fr1.69 billion, still a 3.7% rise.
Exports accounted for 71% of sales and civil sector business for 85%. Snecma booked orders of Fr30 billion for the year. The company has two divisions, Propulsion - including commercial, military and rocket engines - and Equipment, including gear, brakes, hydraulics, transmissions, nacelles and thrust-reverser manufacturer Hispano-Suiza.
Source: Flight International
