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Aircraft & Parts (AIR) (CSF, CSV) Return to top
Overview Return to top
2006* 2007* *2008
A. total market size 23,286 28,604 31,089
B. total local production 27,250 34,052 37,457
C. total exports 16,895 21,793 24,722
D. total imports 12,931 16,345 18,354
E. total imports from the
U.S.
3,157 4,250 5,139
F. Euro exchange rate: Euro 0.8 Euro 0.7 Euro 0.07*
USD 1.00
[Figures in USD millions]
Sources: GIFAS, USDoC, French Customs. Note: French Customs figures are quoted
in CIF, USDoc figures are quoted in FAS.
* indicates unofficial estimates based on various industry sources
The French civil aerospace industry experienced another year of increased turnover in
2006, which is the latest year for which any official figures are available.
Reported (non-consolidated) revenue for the French civilian aerospace industry in 2006
increased approximately 13 percent over 2005 to €21.8 billion (GIFAS annual report
2007), a result of the dynamic air transport market. The market continues to be
sustained by strong demand and by fleet renewals favoring aircraft that are more fuel
efficient and more environmentally friendly.
France’s aerospace industry manufacturers derive two thirds of their revenues from
civilian sector programs, the majority of which are destined for export. This large export
market is due to the sustained interest in Dassault Falcon Jet, Eurocopter and Airbus
aircraft, all of which have products that now successfully have captured global market
share. Well over 60% of French civil aerospace production was exported.
Despite Airbus’ widely publicized delivery and ensuing financial problems surrounding
the A380, both Airbus and Dassault Falcon Jet again raised production rates in response
to record increased orders for aircraft. Six manufacturers account for the majority of the
French market: Airbus (large commercial aircraft), Eurocopter (light-to-heavy
helicopters), Dassault Falcon Jet (high-end business jets), ATR (passenger and cargo
turboprop aircraft for regional transport), Socata (light aircraft and business turboprops),
and Reims Aviation Industries (light aircraft). With the exception of Reims Aviation, these
manufacturers are owned in part or entirely by the same parent company, EADS
(European Aerospace Defense & Space). Created in 2000, this consortium dominates
the civil aviation market.
For the tenth consecutive year, the value of orders for aircraft outweighed industry
revenues (deliveries), confirming the long-term growth of this market. The continued
2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 39
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© 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.