EADS has delivered on its goals. In the six years since its creation, we have achieved leadership in major markets, implemented industrial reorganisation on a massive scale, and we have increased the profitability of all our businesses through higher revenue and greater efficiency. In every year, this has led to financial results in line with, or ahead of, publicly stated targets.

Defence orders have grown in the past few years, and our defence businesses have become stronger, as major new programmes enter production and delivery. We progressively enhance our systems integration and provide ‘networked’ solutions for both complex defence and global security requirements. Further increasing the proportion of defence revenue, as well as profits, is our declared goal. That way, we also mitigate the cyclicality of the civil aviation business.

EADS has a strong presence in the largest, fastest-growing aerospace and defence markets globally. It is actively seeking to build its presence in these countries throughout the entire value chain. By becoming increasingly global, we are securing access to the countries with the greatest demand. We are doing so with ambition and with excellent resources in aerospace and defence.

EADS is reaping the rewards of both the upturn in civil aviation and greater internal efficiency. Airbus has a record order book, defence activities are growing steadily and Space is gaining from increased productivity. A competitive and evolving product portfolio, improving operations and expanding international presence will drive growth.