EADS is exposed to credit risk to the extent of non-performance by its financial instrument counterparties. However, the Group has policies in place to avoid concentrations of credit risk and to ensure that credit risk is limited.

Cash transactions and derivative counterparties are limited to high credit quality financial institutions. EADS has set up a credit limit system to actively manage and limit its credit risk exposure. This limit system assigns maximum exposure lines to counterparties of financial transactions, based at a minimum on their credit ratings as published by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings. The respective limits are regularly monitored and updated.

As counterparty credit risk also arises in the context of sales financing transactions, EADS’ general policy is to provide financing to customers and through structures with an appropriate credit standing. See “Sales Financing”.