Aircraft
Pressure Mounts on Airbus To Meet EADS Profit Goals
Ground testing of the A350XWB continues but Airbus remains under financial pressure to stick to an already-delayed development timetable for the new widebody, according to parent company EADS. (Photo: Airbus)
Ground testing of the A350XWB continues but Airbus remains under financial pressure to stick to an already-delayed development timetable for the new widebody, according to parent company EADS. (Photo: Airbus)

Record Airbus deliveries in 2012 proved a big factor in boosting the group revenues of parent EADS by 15 percent last year, and a strengthened U.S. dollar improved the return on sales. But at last week’s EADS annual results press conference, the group characterized 2013 as a critical year in terms of ensuring that the costs associated with both the A380 and A350XWB programs do not drag down profitability any more than they already have done. In its 2012 balance sheet EADS has had to incur charges of €251 million ($331.3 million) associated with engineering work needed to fix a problem with cracked wing rib feet on the A380 and €124 million ($162.4 million) covering delays in the A350XWB program.