EADS Space was the only division to post a revenue decline in the first quarter of 2006, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. reported May 16.

The Space Division posted revenues of 493 million euros in the first three months of 2006, down from revenues of 516 million euros in the same period a year ago. The division broke even in the first quarter of 2006, compared to a 6 million euro loss in the first quarter of 2005 due to the ramp-up of Ariane 5 production and savings from restructuring efforts, EADS said.

The space backlog stood at 11.9 billion euros on March 31, up from 10.9 billion euros a year ago.

Overall, EADS reported revenues of 9.1 billion euros and a profit of 516 million euros in the first quarter of 2006, up 30 percent and 26 percent respectively from the same period a year ago. The Airbus, Eurocopter, Military Transport Aircraft and Defense & Security Systems Divisions posted increases.