DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG, Munich, (DASA) reported that 1999 revenues and operating profits surpassed the record figures for 1998, with profits showing a stronger rise than revenues. Revenues at DASA grew by five percent in 1999 to Euro 9.2 billion, US$9.8 billion (1998: Euro 8.8 billion, US$9.4 billion), profit jumped by 17 percent to the new record figure of Euro 730 M, $US779 M (1998: Euro 623 M, US$665 M). DASA expanded its backlog of orders for the fourth consecutive year, this time rising by nine percent to reach Euro 23.9 billion, US$25.5 billion (1998: Euro 21.9 billion, US$23.4 billion). Measured against sales revenues for 1998 and calculated on the basis of the figures, the current order levels cover the next two and a half years. In line with expectations, the orders received in 1999 were down to Euro 9.9 billion, US$10.6 billion compared to 1998 (Euro 13.9 billion, US$14.8 billion). At year-end 1999, the workforce had risen to 46,107 (from 45,858 in the previous year). Expenditures on research and development was Euro 2.0 billion, US$2.1 billion for 1999, or 22 percent of revenues.

The Space Infrastructure business unit increased revenues by two percent to Euro 592 M, US$631.5 M (1998: Euro 582 M, US$621 M). Ariane launchers and the European Columbus space lab being the main sources of revenue. DASA took a stake of 11 percent in the U.S. space company Spacehab Inc, making DASA the major shareholder. In the space field, DASA is continuing a strategy of commercialization and has submitted an offer to the European Space Agency (ESA) to manage the operation and utilization of the European element of the space station on an industrial basis from 2003. Structural changes meant revenues of Euro 458 M, US$489 M for the Satellites business unit remained below the level for 1998 (Euro 645 M, US$688 M). Global developments in the market held back investment in satellites and led to delays in the planned new constellation programs for telecommunications. The orders anticipated in this business unit for the year 2000 and the political decision in favor of satellite navigation (GNSS) will give new impetus to commercial sales in the coming fiscal year. DASA won the contract for the ROCSAT 2 earth observation satellite for Taiwan. Unfortunately, DASA was not able to process the order because the German government decided to not grant an export license. Taiwan then awarded the contract to Matra Marconi Space – DASA’s partner for the planned Astrium space company.

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