On the Record with
RAINER HERTRICH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EADS

EADS Sets Sights on Global Markets

ILA 2000: EADS plans to penetrate the US defense markets through partnerships with American companies -probably those that require reciprocal access in Europe, according to CEO Rainer Hertrich.

The German-French-Spanish company is often erroneously regarded as a purely European player, despite its Airbus airliners outselling Boeing throughout the world last year. Hertrich aims to change that perception.

"EADS roots are obviously in Europe, but our business is global and we have global products," he told Show News. "Therefore it makes a lot of sense to bridge the Atlantic with cooperations that deal with customers in Europe as well as in the US."

A much-heralded agreement with Northrop Grumman to explore opportunities in defense electronics and UAVs is just one iron in the fire. "We won't disclose any further ideas and investigations in transatlantic cooperation, but you can be sure there are more on the way," he said.

EADS is not ignoring Europe, either, he pointed out. It is forming joint ventures in several areas, including military aircraft, and works closely with rival BAE Systems on many programs.

"BAE is our best partner-look at Airbus, Eurofighter, Matra BAe Dynamics and the space business. But in defense electronics and some other areas we are competitors."

Hertrich said plans to form the military aircraft joint venture with Finmeccanica's Alenia are on schedule for January 1. "Some may have expected major problems, but there have been none," he said-except for Serge Dassault's refusal to bring Dassault into the fold. "We intend to include Dassault as soon as possible. We are convinced it is the right step, but it depends on Serge Dassault," he said.

©Show News 2000