Aircraft
A400M Problems Overshadow Airbus Defence & Space Performance
Head of Airbus military aircraft business replaced
Military chiefs and government officials from Malaysia accepted the first of four A400M airlifters at Seville on March 9. (photo: Airbus D&S)
Military chiefs and government officials from Malaysia accepted the first of four A400M airlifters at Seville on March 9. (photo: Airbus D&S)

Revenues and earnings declined at the Defence and Space Division of Airbus last year, and a €551 million provision was made in the fourth quarter, because of delays in delivering the contracted capabilities of the A400M airlifter. Revenues at the division are now less than one-third that of the Commercial Aircraft Division. Nevertheless, at the annual results presentation late last month, Airbus group CEO Tom Enders declared that, after allowing for the A400M charge, Defence and Space had “done a terrific job…they’re the most profitable division.”