Airbus 2014 Annual Report Download - page 41
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Please find page 41 of the 2014 Airbus annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.the various disposals, asset sales and restruct-
urings. We also recently sold part of our stake
in Dassault Aviation and we are ready to
take further monetisation steps, depending on
market conditions.
I don’t see any major, transformational acquis-
itions on the horizon at this time. But we remain
open of course to any opportunities that may
add value to the Group. And we have the flexi-
bility to act, if necessary.
Looking at the geographical footprint
of the Group, are there any new
developments you would highlight?
We’ve seen important advances in the com-
mercial aircraft business, with the A320 Final
Assembly Line in Alabama making good pro-
gress. Production is scheduled to start this year
with deliveries due to begin in 2016.
In China we signed an agreement to extend our
A320 final assembly joint venture for another
10years, from 2016 to 2025. We also signed a
letter of intention there for an A330 Completion
and Delivery Centre.
At the same time, we’ve been building on our
long-standing ties with the Chinese helicopter
industry. In 2014, Airbus Helicopters signed an
agreement with Avicopter for the production of
1,000 new-generation helicopters. The agree-
ment cements the industrial partnership be-
tween Airbus Helicopters and AVIC on a
jointly-developed helicopter platform, which is
the basis of two rotorcraft: the AC352 assem-
bled and supported by Avicopter in China main-
ly for the Chinese market, and the H175 assem-
bled and supported by Airbus Helicopters in
Marignane for the worldwide market.
Elsewhere we are streamlining our set-up by
consolidating our international presence, for
example in India, using a one roof policy under
the Airbus name.
What were the year’s major highlights
in terms of international sales?
As I mentioned before, it was an outstanding
year for commercial aircraft orders. As well as in
the Asia-Pacific region, we saw strong demand
in North America and Europe. If I were to high-
light a specific contract, I might choose Delta’s
order of 25 A350 XWB and 25 A330neos,
which was a particularly important break-
through for us in the US market.
The civil helicopters market has been more
subdued, and the recent drop in oil price has
not helped the all-important oil and gas sector.
Nevertheless Airbus Helicopters continues to
lead the civil market. From a strategic point of
view, I would highlight Indonesia’s order for
11AS565 MBe Panther helicopters for naval an-
ti-submarine missions.
Beyond that, we’re pleased with the continuing
success of our military transport aircraft.
Follow ing a further contract in 2014 for two ad-
ditional C295 aircraft for the Navy, Mexico will
have the largest Airbus Defence and Space
fleet in Latin America with 22 aircraft. Egypt also
ordered eight additional C295 in a deal which
will take its fleet to 20 and makes it the biggest
customer for the market-leading tactical airlifter.
We’ve got outstanding products in our portfolio,
and I believe the clear focus on our core busi-
ness and the strong Airbus name will give us a
great platform for the years ahead.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2014
39
02 PILOTING EFFICIENCY