Eurocopter Reveals More Details on 2012 Performance

In presenting its annual results yesterday, European aerospace consortium EADS shed more light on Eurocopter’s performance last year. As of December 31, the French helicopter manufacturer’s backlog included 1,070 aircraft worth $16.9 billion. While this is steady in units, it reflects a 7-percent decrease in value.

Eurocopter’s earnings before taxes totaled $404 million, a 20-percent improvement from 2011. However, the company had to renegotiate some government programs, resulting in a one-time $130 million write-off. Eurocopter spent $386 million in research and development last year, a 26-percent jump. As previously announced, revenues totaled $8.2 billion.

Also this week, the OEM has started a U.S. tour with the EC175 medium twin.

In New Iberia, La., the aircraft has appeared in Bristow livery, a hint that the offshore oil and gas operator might be ordering the type. The helicopter will also be on display next week at Heli-Expo in Las Vegas.