Despite what it described as only "restrained growth" Diehl's Aerosystems division raced up the Top 100 rankings in 2010, rising from 93 to 69.

The rise was the result both of organic growth and the purchase from Airbus, early in 2010, of Hamburg-based Dasell Cabin Interior, which designs, manufactures and overhauls cabin interior components - particularly lavatories. Perhaps Dasell's most prestigious current programme is producing the onboard shower spas for first-class passengers on the Airbus A380.

Dasell joined Diehl Aircabin, which makes cabin modules such as crew rest compartments and Diehl Aerospace, which designs and manufactures avionics and lighting systems for civil and military aircraft. Both latter divisions are joint ventures between Diehl and Thales.

Although Dasell became the smallest constituent of Diehl Aerosystems, it helped the division's sales to rise to €542 million ($719 million), from €514 million.

Airbus A380
 © Airbus
Diehl landed a lucrative contract for the A380

Without the acquisition sales would have dipped, because of a postponement in the A380 programme. Dasell's business complemented the existing Aerosystems product portfolio without any overlapping, strengthening the division's capabilities of complete aircraft cabin systems.

The division reported that general development of the aviation sector had been "very positive", with the recession left behind and the commercial sector resuming the role of growth driver after corporate sales had been largely stabilised through the recession by defence earnings.

With Boeing and Airbus having increased order backlogs to almost 3,500 apiece, Diehl Aerosystems' production facilities were fully utilised, and will continue to be for the next few years.

Diehl Aircabin also received a fillip when it achieved Design Organisation Approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency. This enabled it to develop major changes on components and modules of commercial aircraft independently, then submit them for approval by the regulatory authorities. This capability covers development of components for aircraft cabin interiors, galleys, crew rest compartments and environmental systems for commercial aircraft.

The political decision to proceed with the Airbus Military A400M transport aircraft was further good news. Throughout 2010, however, development activities at Aerosystems were dominated by the Airbus A350 XWB, which attracted considerable project-specific investment.

AT A GLANCE

  • Top 100 rank - 69
  • HQ - Uberlingen, Germany
  • Aero revenues - $718m
  • Sales growth - 5.4%
  • Operating margin - N/A
  • ROCE - N/A
  • Employees - 2,978
  • CEO - Rainer Von Borstel

Source: Flight International

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