2010 was "testing" for aviation industry, says Dunlop boss
The past year has been “full of challenges” for the aviation industry, according to the chairman of the Birmingham-based aircraft division of tyre giant Dunlop. Speaking to Insider, Ian Edmondson said that despite the difficulties caused by the weather, he predicted “modest” growth for a more positive 2011.
Edmondson spoke to Insider as Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, which is celebrating its centenary year, signed a contract to produce parts for a new range of aircraft from aerospace specialist Bombardier.
The company has agreed a deal with Spain-based service Air Nostrum to deliver parts for its new fleet of Bombardier CRJ1000 Next Gen regional jets.
Air Nostrum operates as a franchise of Iberia Airlines and has 20 of the new aircraft on order, with options on a further 15. This will be the largest fleet of CRJ1000s in the world and Air Nostrum will take delivery of its first aircraft later this month.
Edmondson said that the new contract was “very important” to the company as it closes in on 100 years of service.
“I think that to say we have been around as a company for 100 years is very impressive,” he said. “It’s a great credit to the people who have worked for the firm, and made it the success that it has become.”
He said that 2010 had presented many challenges for the company.
“The various and unpredictable weather conditions have definitely been a challenge. The snow at the beginning and end of the year, and the volcanic ash disaster in April were all difficult to work around. We could feel the effects within a week or two of each incident.”
However, Edmondson said that he predicts a “modest” improvement in conditions for the year ahead.
“I don’t think it will be strongly positive,” he said. “But I do think we will see an improvement in the manufacturing industry. Since the summer, we have detected signs of a modest upturn in the aviation business. Hopefully, this will improve further as we go into 2011."
