And it will also be the case for the A380

A recent survey shows that the French are more pessimistic than the Iraqis or Afghans. This worried about it

This is not new, but it is a matter of concern. The French do evidence of critical thinking is one thing, that they are so pessimistic is another. Even though often they are individually powerful, sometimes them collectively in sarcasm and derision. This could be a simple reflection of our culture, but our collective malaise is, I think, more profound. In a world that moves, the France asked where is his place. Can we keep ourselves while we integrating more Europe, for example This question is made even deeper by the crisis. For the first time, a generation of parents said that her children will live not necessarily better than them. But not noircissons the table. The reality is that the France turn. Public services operate, our infrastructure is good, the progress of health are undeniable, real economic growth... There is a sense of doubt which must be considered, but the fact that the France holds the European record of birth can reassure us. It is a tremendous vote of confidence in the future.

Idéalisez you like so many other German success

I did not idealized. I note. The Germany led a policy of competitiveness which worked while the country turns into a Gulag. They have preferred to wage employment. Payroll have been partly transferred business to taxation. In ten years, social security contributions on the companies have declined by nearly 2 points of GDP in Germany while they increased by 1.5 point in France. Can not sustainably benefit from a social welfare system funded at this point on wages. It is time that the France implement a tax reform of a large scale. But, if this is acceptable, must be that this reform be fair. That effort is equitably distributed.

Are you pessimistic for the France

No, but it must be that we roll the sleeves. In the industry, we have lost jobs and market share. But it is not inevitable. The France has the capacity to respond. To start making industrial competitiveness is a national priority. Strategic investment fund, the grand loan, OSEO, competitiveness clusters go in the right direction. We must invest in R & D, refocus the savings of households to industry. The French save 17 of their income, but almost nothing is reoriented towards industrial fabric, lacking capital. Own funds which will yet become even more critical than the new prudential rules governing banks as insurance will limit their ability to finance companies.

For you, is China a fair competitor

Do not condemn China. This country as others is selfish nature. He plays his card. In Europe even, nobody wants to pay or make sacrifices for others! China is not a more unfair than another country. The Japan of the same ills has been accused in the years 1960-1970.

In the monetary field, global competition is still unfair!

The euro has become the variable of adjustment of the international monetary system. The European Central Bank fight against inflation. But who is responsible for exchange rate policy Person and European companies suffer from. Major groups like EADS can implement Exchange covers. Not SMEs. Nicolas Sarkozy has made this issue one of the priorities of its Presidency of the G20. This is essential. Need to try something, because if we do nothing, Europe likely to yield to the protectionist temptation.

How EADS through the crisis

We go out of the crisis stronger that we returned there. We are now recognized as a leader in our markets. The most beautiful of the awards was the invitation extended by the Pentagon to participate in the competition on the market of air-to-air refueling tankers. The year 2010 was also a year of significant progress for the company, with commands very higher than forecasts, record deliveries of Airbus, the settlement of the dispute on the A400M, A380 progress...

Why is your profitability if low while sales are at a record level

In 2005, we had reached a profitability of 8.5. But since then, we have not had that success. The problems of the A380 and the A400M have cost us dear. The decline of the dollar also cost 3 billion euros of annual operating income in four years. But, if our profitability is low, we have an abundant cash more than 10 billion euros, Editor's note, unlike Boeing, including the situation of cash is negative. The improvement of profitability is our first priority in 2011. The Power 8 plan allows Airbus to compete with a dollar to 1.35 euro. The other divisions are the same efforts. From 2012, we will also benefit from the improvement of our Exchange covers, progress on the A380, which will weigh much less on the accounts, and the increased Airbus production rates. Moreover, I hope that by then the helicopter market will be restored and that Eurocopter will have recovered its level of contribution to the results.

Is the WTO right to denounce the subsidies enjoyed by your industry

Global aeronautics is supported by the States, who consider that it is an industry of sovereignty. Neither the US nor the new incoming, Chinese, Brazilian... are exception to the rule. Programs life is very long - the order of 50 years - for private investors. The risks are also gigantic, both sums are important and sophisticated technologies. The launch of the successor of the A320, which should intervene to 2017-2018 for entry into service to 2025, it is at least 10 billion euros investment and development. We will to fund the essential ourselves and we will see if a new discipline, excluding public funds, applies in the world! I said that we have always repaid the advances state that we have been. Beyond, on each A320 sold, we continue even today to pay any royalties to States. And it will also be the case for the A380.

Are you going to ask repayable advances for the A320 NEO

No, it's not really a new program. The investment is much more limited of the order of 1 to 1.5 billion euros, Editor's note and we will conduct without State support.

The Vision 2020 plan provides a balance between Airbus and other activities. How are able without a large acquisition

A rebalancing is necessary to limit the impact of cycle swings in commercial aviation and the risks inherent in the programs themselves. When a program slips, we see that it gives, at Airbus as in Boeing. For this rebalancing, we missed an opportunity with Thales. But we have another ten years to ensure it, even if our acquisition in the short term projects are smaller. The important thing is to create a strong dynamic of internal and external growth in activities "non-Airbus" group.

Will States ask the industrial self-financing weapons programs

Well, we saw with the A400M, seen with the drones: given their level of debt, States tend to delay disbursements. It is still far from the levels of funding supported by industrialists on civilian programs, but the pressure is. Can we go further Anything is possible, it is a question of economic model. If States do not fund the development of a program, it will be in the sale price, which will be higher.

The A400M program has cost EUR 1.5 billion to taxpayers. Will they review their money

I have no doubt that top. The A400M export potential is very important. Per transported tonne price is lower than that of a C-130. The device can even be of interest to the United States, because it is unique in the world by its tactical and strategic capabilities. I think the potential market for the A400M export about 400 copies for twenty or twenty-five years after commissioning.

Your term of Office runs until June 2012. You will have 68 years, that is the limit that you set

My term ends in June 2012. A process was set in 2007 to ensure the renewal of the Board of Directors and my estate. There is no reason that this happens as planned, when the time comes. The rule is that if my successor is a German Tom Enders, the current President and CEO of Airbus, Editor's note, that of Bodo Uebber the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Editor's note will be a Frenchman. Arnaud Lagardère said recently that it would be him.

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