EADS chief speaks out in Airbus crisis

EUROPEAN Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) co-chief executive Thomas Enders broke his silence on the crisis engulfing Europe’s largest aerospace group yesterday, saying it is a matter for the whole group, not just for Airbus.

News of fresh delays in the delivery of A380 superjumbo aircraft stripped 25% from the value of EADS shares last week as airlines clamoured for compensation.

Mr Enders, one half of the group’s French and German management team, said the consequences should not be restricted Airbus.

“The crisis at Airbus is also a crisis for EADS,” he declared.

EADS French co-chief executive Noel Forgeard is resisting calls to resign and said he had no advance knowledge of the delays when he sold EADS stock in March for a €2.5 million profit.