A successful 2003 for Eurocopter in which it reinforced its leading position and achieved an increase in turnover with a 45% share of the world market including 53% for the civil and parapublic sector.

With 293 new helicopters ordered, the Eurocopter group once again took the position as world leader with 45% of the market in terms of the number of new civil and military helicopters, i.e. 25% in value.

The orders were for: 38 EC 120 Colibri, 81 single-engine Ecureuil/Fennec, 27 EC 130 B4, 17 twin-engine Ecureuil/Fennec, 55 EC 135/EC 635, 6 BK 117, 4 EC 145, 27 Dauphin/Panther, 10 EC 155, 8 Super Puma/Cougar and 20 NH 90.

The total orders, which included both new and 49 second-hand helicopters, customer services, Research and Development and other activities totaled 2.57 billion Euros and were divided equally between the civil and military sectors.

The consolidated orders for series helicopters were for 1.40 billion Euros.

The main military contracts signed in 2003 were: 20 NH 90 and 14 options, 2 Super Puma AS 332 C1 and 6 Dauphin AS 365 N3 (Greece), 2 Panther and 8 options (Mexico), 6 EC 635 and 7 options (Jordan).

Civil and parapublic sector: 6 Ecureuil/AStar AS 350 B2 for the Los Angeles County Sheriff (USA), 10 Ecureuil/AStar for Petroleum Helicopter Inc. (USA), 3 EC 135 for Corporate Jet (USA), 3 EC 145 for the Vanderbilt Medical Center (USA), 3 Super Puma AS 332 L1 for the COHC (China) 22 Super Puma AS 332 L1 and 4 EC 155 B1 for AZAL (Azerbaijan), 3 EC 155 B for Samsung (Korea), 3 Dauphin AS 365 N3 for the Schreiner Aviation Group (Netherlands) and 8 EC 135 for the police force (Czech Republic).

"These orders are proof of the successful market penetration of our established product range, which we update continuously, and reflect the high acceptance of our new-generation models. These have gained a firm foothold in the market in a relatively short time and and prove that our Research and Development efforts of the past 10 years are paying off and appreciated by our customers", stated Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, during Eurocopter's traditional New Year reception for the press.

In 2003, Eurocopter’s consolidated sales totaled 2.61 billion Euros, a 4% increase compared to 2002. This figure mainly comprises customer services, Research and Development activities and the supply of 297 helicopters.

51% of sales came from the civil and parapublic sector and 49% from the military sector.

The export share accounted for 57%.

Excluding non-accessible contracts, Eurocopter maintains its position as world leader in terms of market share for both quantity (45%) and value (25%).

Civil and parapublic

A slight drop in civil and parapublic contracts, particularly in the first half of the year due to the war in Iraq and the economic climate. With 53% of the market share by value, Eurocopter once again confirms its position as the No. 1 world leader and is still considerably ahead of Bell.

Excellent penetration of the USA with a 48% share of the civil market.

Strong recovery in the second half-year suggesting a good 2004.

Military

A slight drop in volume in world military contracts with 220 new helicopters ordered in 2003 compared to approximately 300 in 2002, mainly in the “tactical transport” and “attack” sectors accounting for approximately 60% of the total military volume.

Continuation of the major US programs and modernization of existing helicopters thereby reducing the market share accessible to Eurocopter.

Tiger and NH 90 have benefited fully from the renewal cycle initiated in 1999.

EC 120 Colibri

With 38 helicopters sold, accounting for 80% of the 5-seater single-engine market, the EC 120 Colibri has confirmed its place as the champion in its category.

Australian Aerospace: Commissioning of the assembly line and delivery of the first two helicopters assembled in Australia.

We have penetrated the Eastern European market with deliveries of a first helicopter to Poland, the first two helicopters to Russia and a second helicopter for the border guards in Lithuania.

Ecureuil / Fennec Range

With 125 helicopters sold, the Ecureuil / Fennec range remains one of Eurocopter’s most popular lines.

The EC 130 fleet leader has gone over the 3,220 hour mark (Blue Hawaiian whose 8 EC 130s have already clocked up 13,620 flight hours).

6 years after its market launch the 400th series Ecureuil AS 350 B3 was delivered to the Australian pilot Michael Doohan, 5-times world motorcycle champion.

The EC 130 is emerging as the replacement of the Alouette 3

EC 135 / EC 635

With 55 helicopters sold, the EC 135 is the twin-engine helicopter by which all others are judged, particularly for medical evacuations and police work.

Penetration of the Eastern European market: 8 helicopters for the Czech Republic police force

In Romania the Health Ministry ordered 2 helicopters and 3 were delivered to the Ministry of the Interior.

The fleet leader, the EC 135, has already clocked up more than 5,000 flight hours (Northumbria Police, UK) and the 300th series helicopter has come off the production line for North Midlands Police in the UK.

The EC 635 has been successfully brought into service in the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

EC 145

Confirmation that the EMS market has been penetrated (Vanderbilt Medical Center in the United States).

The EC 145 has demonstrated all its operational abilities in both day and night flying in mountain-rescue, medical evacuations and police work (French Gendarmerie, Securité Civile, REGA, ADAC, DRF, etc.)

A helicopter owned by the French Gendarmerie landed on the top of Mont Blanc (4,810 m) with a full payload and a crew of 5. There was no wind and temperature conditions were 16°C higher than required by the standard (ISA).

Dauphin / EC 155 / Panther Range

2003 was an exceptional year with 37 helicopters sold, proving they meet market requirements perfectly. Eurocopter is determined to maintain and reinforce this position.

Successful introduction of the EC 155 in an offshore mission (Each of Dancopter’s 2 EC 155 B1s clocks up more than 140 flight hours per month in the North Sea with 98% availability).

Extension of the operational flight envelope of the EC 155: it is now certified for takeoff in windspeeds of up to 50 knots (93 km/h).

New version of the Dolphin, which was tested successfully for the US Coast Guard, fitted with Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 engines with twin-channel numerical control.

Super Puma / Cougar, EC 225 / EC 725 range

This range of helicopters is nowadays synonymous with reliability and modernity as well as well-established and controlled maintenance costs. Eurocopter is continuing its long-term investment in this range.

1st flight of a helicopter including the entire EC 225 / EC 725 configuration (rotor, engines, active anti-vibrator and avionics).

Deliveries of 19 helicopters including 5 Super Puma AS 332 L2s for the offshore sector, 4 Super Puma AS 332 C1s for the Greek Air Force and the first 2 Cougar AS 532 ALs for the Slovene Air Force.

Tiger

The top success of 2003 was Spain's selection of the HAD (24 units) enabling us to add a 3rd European center to Eurocopter with Eurocopter Espana.

Flight of the first series HAP for France took place.

1st flight of the Australian prototype and commissioning of the assembly line in Brisbane.

The Tiger is acknowledged as the top combat helicopter of the post-Cold War period.

NH 90

Contract signed with Greece for 20 TTHs with 14 options.

With 325 helicopters on order from 9 countries and 85 options on our books, the NH 90 is Eurocopter’s 10-tonne helicopter of the future by which all others are judged.

1st flight with electronic FCS without mechanical backup.

Commissioning of the Patria assembly line in Finland and operation at Marignane of the first helicopter with high cockpit intended for Sweden..

Eurocopter worldwide

Spain: Eurocopter España became Eurocopter’s third European center by incorporating all the helicopter activities of the EADS group in Spain. EADS CASA acquired a 5% stake in Eurocopter’s capital.

USA: Partnership agreement with Lockheed Martin for US federal requirements including Deepwater (US Coast Guard). Laying the first stone of the new American Eurocopter industrial center in Columbus, Mississippi and being awarded the FAA “FAR 145 Repair Station” certificate for the new site.

China: Model partnership agreement with AVIC 2 aimed at increasing co-operation. Opening of a permanent office in Beijing. Agreement for the commissioning of an EC 120 assembly line at Harbin to supply the Chinese market.

Singapore: 25th anniversary of Eurocopter South East Asia.

India: Memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. aimed at extending and encouraging co-operation.

Brazil: Helibras, the only helicopter manufacturer in Brazil and a subsidiary of Eurocopter, celebrated its first 25 years.

Romania: Eurocopter Romania was awarded the JAR 145 “Repair Center” certificate.

High priority axis for Eurocopter: a high-growth sector due to an increase in the fleet and a competitive offer of service (R&O, PBH, Training, etc.)

Introduction of a unique customer interface via the worldwide offer: Product + Service.

Creation of Eurocopter Training Services, a specialized unit that brings together all the training and simulation forces (Training Academy, Helisim, etc.).

An increase in the availability of stocks of spare parts and complete re-engineering to significantly decrease the time needed to make parts available.

Continue to optimize our efficiency in Customer Service by adopting a proactive Customer Culture.

Tiger and NH 90: establish these two programs as references on the export markets.

Offer constant improvements in our range avoiding sudden changes in order to establish profitable growth.

Set up a purchase policy that reduces the risks of monetary variations and reinforces our competitiveness.

Penetrate new markets via long-term partnerships.

“With the Tiger and the NH 90, the European helicopter industry has, for the first time, military products in the market which put it on an equal footing with US competitors", Brégier concluded.

EADS is the second largest aerospace and defence company in the world with revenues of € 29.9 billion in the year 2002 and a workforce of more than 100,000. It is a systems integrator and as such is one of the few companies worldwide capable of combining various products and technologies to form complete systems and offering the associated services. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo. EADS has more than 70 facilities in France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain and the U.S. and is active worldwide, as in Russia and Asia.

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