Airbus profits up but problems persist with A400M, A350

Airbus Group's profits rose in the first half of the year thanks to asset sales and a satellite launch merger, but the planemaker suffered losses linked to its troubled A400M military transporter and A350 passenger jet, its long-delayed rival to Boeing's popular 787.

The Toulouse, France-based company reported profit of 1.76 billion euros, up from 1.52 billion in the first half of 2015.

In the second quarter, Airbus finalized its sale of a stake in Dassault Aviation and the creation of Airbus Safran Launchers joint venture.

First-half sales were steady at 28.8 billion euros, compared with 28.9 billion last year. Overall orders were down despite a spate of deals announced at the recent Farnborough Air Show.
 

Airbus maintained its forecast for stable financial results and orders over the year.