Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
In 2009, Air Berlin transported a total of 27,911,193 passengers (including those travelling on the TUIfly routes acquired on 25 October 2009), a decrease of 3.9% in comparison with the previous year.
One of the reasons for the decline from 2008’s figure of 29,050,967 is that the accumulated capacity was reduced by 2.6%. Fleet capacity utilisation in 2009 reached 77.3%, a decline of only one percentage point. Revenue per available seat kilometre (ASK) increased to 5.75 eurocents, a 7% increase over 2008’s RASK of 5.38 eurocents.
In December 2009, Air Berlin carried 2,050,380 passengers, 0.8% up on the 2,034,809 passengers in December 2008. Fleet capacity utilisation increased by 0.5 percentage points to 73.1%, while capacity remained at the previous year's level. Revenue per available seat kilometre (ASK) for December 2009 amounted to 4.98 eurocents, a 6.5% decrease compared with the previous December’s RASK of 5.33 eurocents.
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.