Le Figaro. – Northrop and EADS waive answer the call for bids for the tanker to the U.S. military …
WELSH Louis. – We are not going as this tender is clearly in favor of the Boeing B767. The specifications are intended for a smaller aircraft than the Airbus A 330 without taking into account the superior capabilities of the latter. I regret, because we have the best aircraft, which has won every competition in the world, including Britain and Australia, against Boeing. It was useless to file an appeal. I'm not sure the American taxpayer will be a bargain for the U.S. military, it has a plane less modern, less capable than Great Britain, Australia, Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates.
You build a factory in Alabama?
The site of Mobile in Alabama would assemble the tankers.Therefore, this assembly project in the southern United States is no longer valid. This decision does not affect our overall interest to the U.S. market. We have to develop.
In what trades do you develop in the United States?
For now, we look rather acquisitions of medium size, including the United States, but not exclusively. As for trades beyond the defense, we bear a special interest in services and security. But everything is a matter of expediency.
The euro-dollar is she always so critical?
Of course! And the euro at 1.35 dollar remains strong. I remember I started Power 8 in 2007 to address just one dollar to 1.35. This is not because we went from 1.50 to 1.35 as the dollar problem is solved! EADS had 9.8 billion euros at end December 2009.
What will you do with that war chest?
The Net Cash position is considerable, but we will in the next four years, reaching a peak of investment on the A 350. We must maintain a sufficient level. It is essential to maintain the trust of our customers, who pay installments four to five years before delivery of their machines. The cash position is also an important component of our rating. It is therefore a priority for us to protect it. Airbus beats records of shipments, but profitability is average.
The economic crisis is still there.Are you planning to launch a new savings plan?
In 2009, our accounts are strongly marked by the provisions on the A 380 and above on the A 400M (1.8 billion euros) and by currency effects, whose overall impact is negative in 2009 2.5 billion euros compared to 2008! Apart from these "special items" Our operational performance is satisfactory. End of 2009, we completed a year ahead of the expected savings under Power 8, or 2.1 billion euros. Power 8 + begins now and will run until 2012. To date, I have no plans identified new savings plan, but I do not want to tie my hands and we must be able to react to changes in our environment.
How do you see 2010?
I remain cautious, but we now have better visibility and greater confidence in the robustness of our backlog.We send a strong signal by deciding to increase the production rate of A 320. They spend 34 to 36 per month from the end of 2010.
In which areas should Europe launch major projects?
We need a common vision that inspired the creation of Airbus and Ariane. Europe can raise it again this ambition? I am sure nothing better mobilize European public opinion that such programs, which embody the best that Europe all treaties and speeches. The subjects are not lacking. Of course, aerospace, defense and space: EADS was created to be the partner of such programs, but also in major projects in energy and environment. European countries face similar challenges.Why did they not meet together? It would be good for European industry.
How do you plan to revive the industry Nicolas Sarkozy?
I am grateful to the president to deliver the industry on the front of the stage. There is no strong, stable, independent, not industry, and the loss of industrial substance of our country is a major concern. I also agree with the diagnosis of the president on the loss of substance. It reached France more than Germany or Italy, but it actually concerns all of Europe. This calls for a clear industrial policy and European French. It is to reassess all policies: education, taxation and social security, hours of work on life skills, competition, money, support research and innovation, etc.. With the objective of strengthening the competitiveness industry.Such a policy must be based on a social dynamic for everyone to be involved.
Some of the decisions announced by the head of state will they have an impact on EADS and Airbus?
Here are two examples where the impact is direct. The first concerns the priority given to sectors and relations outsourcers / contractors: it is a major issue for us, which we are already working with our supplier. EADS buys each year for more than 10 billion euros in France. We signed a few weeks ago the charter of the subcontract. Second example: the national loan will support the technological developments needed for future generations of aircraft, helicopters or space launch.
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