EADS Socata is pushing for growth in its aerostructures sector, forecasting a 17% increase in aerostructures revenues for 2007, compared with 2006's level of 116 million Euros ($155 million). The division is experiencing "very sustained growth", according to the company's new chief executive Jean-Michel Léonard. "We have increased our portfolio of customers, but our main target for 2007 is the A350 XWB," he says. The aerostructures division has a backlog of �430 million. The company is bidding for five work packages on the programme and is expecting a decision on its bids in October, says vice-president sales and marketing Nicolas Chabbert.

Meanwhile, in its general aviation sector, the company is forecasting deliveries of 50 TBM 850 single-engined turboprops this year, and 60 in 2008. "The 2009 picture is less clear, but we see strong interest," says aircraft sales vice-president Jacques Lordon. "There is a fashion for the jet - a jet mania. But three years ago I remember how difficult it was to convince anyone there was a future for turboprops. Now everyone is convinced it's the right way forward for short distances."

The company's plan to transfer production of its TB20 and TB21 piston-engine aircraft to Romania is on hold. "It's on standby mode: it's linked with the privatisation project in the Romanian industry - as long as that project is not completed it's difficult to launch operational activities." The company had hoped to have Romanian government approval in place by June.

The company is looking closely at the possibility of upgrading the avionics suite of its TBM 850s: "It has clearly become a business opportunity. More and more we see the existing avionics affected by obsolescence," says Lordon. "It is too early to say what product we will select," he says, adding that "all the equipment is very promising, but they still feature some glitches, but we are looking very closely".

Source: Flight International

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