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Frank Robinson Frank Robinson
President, Robinson Helicopter Company

"As Robinson produces over 80 per cent of the piston helicopters, we really do not have any real competition at this time."

1. How do see the position of your company in the market? What is the overriding, long-term aim of your company?
Our company dominates the piston helicopter market. Our long term aim is to build more and better light helicopters.

2. How would you qualify the business situation of your company in 1999, especially regarding orders/turnover, competitive situation etc.?
Robinson helicopter is doing well in 1999 and is producing more aircraft than any other helicopter manufacturer.

3. Which companies do you see as your main competitors?
As Robinson produces over 80 per cent of the piston helicopters, we really do not have any real competition at this time.

4. How would you assess the general situation in the civil market right now?
Very good.

5. .... and how do you see the mid-term outlook to 2005 (expansion, new equipment trends etc.)?
The future depends on the worldwide economy.

6. How would you assess the general situation in the military market today?
We seldom have any military sales.

7. ... and how do you see the mid-term military outlook to 2010?
We do not expect many military sales.

8. Which region(s) of the world will see the fastest growth in helicopter salesin the next five years?
Latin America and Asia.

9. ... and which region(s) will be the most difficult?
Southeast Asia.

10. Which class of helicopters will grow fastest in the next five years?
Small private and business helicopters.

11. What are the main regulatory problems for helicopters today (heliports, unsurance, FAA regulations etc.?)
Ordinances prohibiting helo landing pads or areas.

12. What are the determining factors in customer buying decisions today?
Price, reliability and operating costs.

13. Does your company intend to introduce new models in the next five years? In which sector?
Not yet known.

14. Is there overcapacity in the helicopter industry?
Only for large military helicopters.

15. Will there be more mergers/sales/consolidations in the helicopter industry in the near future?
We don't know.

16. What are the main technological trends in helicopter design in the next decade?
Reduced operating cost, lower noise levels, and safety.

17. Will there be a breakthrough for new concepts like tiltrotors? How much market share can they win?
We don't know.

18. What is your vision for the helicopter industry in 2025? Will there be totally new uses, new vertical flight concepts, the helicopter for everyone, city-centre tilt-rotor shuttle services etc?
More business use of the helicopter, i.e. office or plant to airport and other locations.


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Last updated 3 January 2000