Operating income amounted to SEK 152 M, higher than SEK 83 M in the corresponding period last year and a major improvement from the fourth quarter of 2009 (Loss SEK 169 M).
Higher productivity as a result of lower cost, higher volumes and higher utilization of production facilities are the main explanations. In addition, the after market business has started to show signs of recovery. The operating margin was 8.0% (4.1).

Air traffic recovery continued
The recovery in air traffic continued in the first quarter of 2010. International passenger traffic increased by 9.5% in February and was up 7.9% in the first two months of the year. Capacity in February 2010 grew just 1.9%, which resulted in a record load factor. Cargo traffic increased by 26.5% in February and grew by 28% year-to-date.   Airbus and Boeing announced 160 gross orders in the first quarter of this year (50). The aircraft manufacturers delivered 230 aircraft, which is 3% lower compared to the first quarter of last year.

Successful maiden flight for Boeing 747-8
On February 8, the new Boeing 747-8 Freighter successfully completed its first flight, powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines. Volvo Aero is a risk and revenue partner in the GEnx, responsible for design of three components and will manufacture six different components in the engine. Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8.