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Expanding order book
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| (€m) | 2005 | 2004 | Variation |
| Revenue | 3,211 | 2,786 | +15% |
| EBIT | 212 | 201 | +5% |
| Order intake | 3,522 | 3,245 | +9% |
| Order book | 9,960 | 9,117 | +9% |
Eurocopter once again captured more than 50% of civil and parapublic sales, confirming its global leadership of this sector. The Division continued to win a large share of accessible military business, further demonstrating the competitiveness of its new-generation military helicopters. From a strategic perspective, important agreements were reached in Spain, Asia and the United States.
New orders totalled €3.5 billion, lifting the total order book to €9.96 billion at year end. Some 401 helicopters were ordered. By value, the orders break down into 42% for serial helicopters, 41% customer services and 17% research and development and other.
In addition to Australia and ten other countries, Belgium, New Zealand and Spain selected the NH90 multi-role helicopter for their armed forces, underlining its performance, as well as low operating and maintenance costs.
The great commercial successes obtained in various sectors such as oil and gas, search and rescue, and medical, including an order from one of the largest US air medical service companies, again demonstrated the versatility of the product range.
International expansion
The building of a new industrial site in Albacete, southern Spain, the signature of the Tiger 
HAD’s development and production contract for Spanish and French needs, and the selection of the NH90 confirmed Spain as the third home base of Eurocopter.
Significant progress was made abroad, especially in high-growth Asia. In China, AVIC II, the state-owned aviation company, and Eurocopter decided to expand their partnership by co-developing a new six-seven-ton technologically advanced civil and parapublic helicopter which will meet Chinese and worldwide demand in this segment. In Korea, traditionally a US market, the government entrusted Eurocopter, under the leadership of KAI, with the development of the country’s first military utility helicopter.
In the United States, another key market, Eurocopter booked 122 orders and won more than 45% of the US civil market share. In addition, the US Coast Guard selected it to upgrade their Dolphin helicopter fleet. On the military side, Eurocopter joined forces with Sikorsky to tender for the LUH contract, allying the best COTS helicopter and the best logistics support solution.
Better technology and service
Eurocopter’s R&T projects focus on three main axes:
- Helicopter’s integration into the military digital battlefield (harder detection, protection from missiles and crash);
- Helicopter’s integration into the civil air transport systems (all-weather, flight noise and vibration reduction);
- Cost effectiveness by using simulation technologies to reduce non-recurring costs, development cycles and to optimise maintenance, repair and overhaul processes, as well as the manufacturing of composite structures.
Regarding services, Eurocopter continued to invest in customer satisfaction. Mechanical repair workshops were overhauled and logistics platforms opened worldwide. Additionally, the training offer expanded with a new D-level simulator.
Eurocopter faces the future with a competitive and comprehensive product range, a large forward order book and a strong strategic position. A number of major sales campaigns are under way. Notably, the Division is offering highly competitive new-generation military helicopters and services at a time when demand for procurements such as the US Army Light Utility Helicopter programme is growing. Eurocopter’s well-balanced portfolio of activities and the size of the ‘in service’ fleet reduce the financial risks associated with new helicopter market cycles.
Strategically, Eurocopter’s proven ability to implement international co-operation agreements in rapidly growing markets is bolstering its order book, access to scarce resources and results. Meanwhile, Eurocopter intends to protect and enhance its technological edge, the main prerequisite for sustainable development. Additionally, its ability to offer and certify customised solutions to mission-oriented customers will remain strategically valuable.
In 2006, Eurocopter anticipates further growth in turnover and profitability, and plans to consolidate its worldwide market leadership. Longer term, this growth should be sustained, with a greater contribution from higher military sales where demand is expected to expand steadily.
