Bertling Believes Eurocopter Still Strongly Positioned to Face Down Effects of Recession
Bertling said that despite the economic recession gripping Europe and the USA, Eurocopter’s exposure to its US business the strong US dollar was less than 10% of the company’s annual turnover, and therefore was manageable.
Bertling said that Eurocopter had only experienced four or five aircraft cancellations in the previous month and those were in sectors such as tourism and VIP fleets that he would expected to react first under current economic conditions.
Bertling confirmed again that Eurocopter will be one of the bidders for the US Army’s re-presented Armed Reconnaissance Helcopter (ARH) programme, although this would be in cooperation with American.
He also said that now the Tiger and NH90 programmes are relatively under control, the company’s research and development into innovation was being turned towards the civil market – looking at ‘greening’ measures including less exhaust gas omissions and lower noise levels. Where a 43% increase in R&D had been achieved in the period to the end of 2008, he expected that this higher figure would benefit from a 25% rise in 2009.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.