The six-month delay of the launch of the new A350 aircraft has cost Airbus parent company EADS, €200 million, which impacted its third-quarter profits. The A350 will now enter service in the first half of 2014 instead of late 2013.
EADS operating profit was €322 million in the third quarter, a 15% fall over the same period a year ago, while revenues fell 4% to €10.751 billion. Net income rose to €312 million.
Full year expectations are strong as Airbus expects the commercial market to boost 2011 operating profit to €1.45 billion and now expects to secure 1,500 orders in 2011 for the A320neo instead of the 1,000 it initially predicted.