Amsterdam, 05
January
2005
EADS has pledged its support for the global emergency relief effort in South Asia following the tsunami on December 26, 2004.
Immediately after the disaster, EADS and its business units decided to support the global emergency relief effort, and they have launched actions at three levels –corporate, material and individual – corresponding to a global contribution of more than 2 million euros.
EADS and its business units have offered a combined 1-million-euro cash donation – including 500,000 euros from Airbus – to the International Red Cross, along with contributions to Aviation sans Frontières/Luftfahrt Ohne Grenzen as well as other relief organizations.
The Group also has deployed its air transportation capacities in, and to, the region to meet logistical requirements. A fleet of Eurocopter helicopters was provided to support relief operations in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Other similar operations are already being prepared.
Airbus also proposed the services of the A300-600ST Beluga outsized cargo aircraft to help in transporting aid to the affected countries. In addition, EADS and its business units have invited all employees to make personal contributions to a special account of the International Red Cross. The company committed to match the global amount of these contributions by an equivalent donation.
EADS CEOs Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich said: “Around the world, people have been stunned by the scale of devastation inflicted by this natural disaster, and have wanted to help. As a global aerospace company deeply involved in this region, we deem our responsibility to do everything we can to assist affected Asian communities with all our means, financial support as well as logistical capabilities”.
About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, EADS generated revenues of € 30.1 billion. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.
