Eurocopter had its second best year ever in 2008 but is anticipating more than a 30-percent fall in sales for this year. Speaking at the manufacturer’s annual press conference in Paris last month, CEO Lutz Bertling insisted the firm’s strategy is not affected by the downturn, and he outlined plans for further international expansion.
After 715 net helicopter orders in 2008, this year is expected to end with only 450 sales, Bertling said. Due to an “unpredictable environment,” the forecast will probably be reviewed often during the year. Eurocopter will be watching luxury yacht sales and the used rotorcraft market as indicators of how the industry is faring.
Last year, the company received approxmately 30 cancellations, Bertling acknowledged, adding the commercial market slowed in the second half of the year.
The segment that is suffering the most is U.S. tourism and corporate sales.
Nevertheless, best sellers again were the Ecureuil/EC 130 family, with 340 orders (civil and military), and the EC 135, with 123 orders.
