UPDATE 1-EADS considers changing legal form - CEO in paper

Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:26pm EST
 
[-] Text [+]

(Adds Gallois on business outlook, A400M project)

BERLIN, Nov 14 (Reuters) - European aerospace group EADS (EAD.PA) is mulling changing its legal status to become a European listed company, rather than being organised according to Dutch law, German newspaper Die Welt reported on Friday.

"We are considering changing EADS into a European incorporated company," Welt quoted EADS Chief Executive Louis Gallois as saying.

Turning to the business environment, Gallois said the fallout from the global financial market crisis could yet affect EADS subsidiary Airbus.

"We haven't had any (orders) cancellations yet this year in connection with the crisis," Gallois said, adding that cancellations could yet materialise though it was hard to quantify the impact of the crisis.

"We should be able to see more clearly in six months," he said.

Gallois said he could not clear up the timeline for production of EADS' A400M military transporter project.

"We are not in a position to give a new timetable, as the engine suppliers cannot tell us when they will submit a new schedule," he added.

Germany's Defence Ministry said last week it expected a delay of over 12 months to the first flight of the A400M. In September, EADS postponed its first flight of the transporter due to a row over engine development.

On Tuesday, German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung said EADS must clarify the status of the A400M project. (Reporting by Paul Carrel, editing by Matthew Lewis)

 
Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better

Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better