Gallois: 2010 will be a difficult year, but EADS confronts crises head on
When EADS chief executive Louis Gallois briefed the world’s press just before the show he was taking to the podium against a backdrop of confusion over wha

When EADS chief executive Louis Gallois briefed the world’s press just before the show he was taking to the podium against a backdrop of confusion over what caused the loss of an Air France Airbus A330 on June 1. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of AF447,” he began. “Even if the airshow is darkened by the accident, I think we have a great show ahead of us. Perhaps the global crisis is bringing everyone to Le Bourget, because it’s going to be busy.

“In 2009 the impact [of the downturn] will be limited, and we’re on track. [But] 2010 and perhaps 2011 will be more critical, and will depend on the traffic evolution, which is still disappointing,” said Gallois. Just how bad 2010 will be is still very unclear, he added. “We have no visibility.”