Thales Aerospace, Space Revenues Increase

The Thales Aerospace & Space segment finished 2008 with revenues of 4.1 billion euros, an increase of 14 percent from 2007. The segment recorded earnings before taxes of 203 million euros, a 10-percent increase. However, this represented 4.9 percent of revenues, down from 6.3 percent in 2007.

“The profitability of the Aerospace business was impacted by problems on the (Airbus) A400M program and the high level of self-funded R&D for new civil aircraft, including the A350,” Thales said, reporting 2008 financial results Thursday. Last month, the company replaced Francois Quentin as head of the Aerospace division, citing “insufficient economic performance.”

Thales said sales of avionics for Bombardier and Sukhoi regional aircraft increased, as did sales of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems for new aircraft and support services for the installed base of IFE systems. Airbus sales remained largely unchanged from 2007.

Sales of combat systems and electronic warfare systems, for platforms including the Dassault Rafale, were higher compared to deliveries on the NH90 and Tiger helicopter programs.