Eurocopter turnover up by 7.5 per cent in 2008

Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, fully met its 2008 objectives for helicopter sales and deliveries and increased its turnover by 7.5 %. In 2008, Eurocopter once again secured its position as the world's No. 1 manufacturer of civil and parapublic helicopters with a total of 588 helicopter deliveries for new military and civil helicopters. This figure constitutes a production ramp-up of 20% percent as compared to 2007 and reinforced its position as a major branded business division within EADS, counting for a consolidated turnover of 4.5 billion Euros. Order bookings, still showing strong demand for new helicopter models and services, amounted to 4.9 billion Euros. This included 715 new aircraft. The company’s total order backlog by the end of December 2008 was over 14 billion Euros or the equivalent of 1,550 helicopters.