The successful A380 first flight could help to boost future revenues

Net profit rose to 328m euros (�222.6m; $419.8m) against 49m euros (�33.2m; $62.7m) at the same time last year.

Sales soared 16% to 7bn euros from a year ago. Airbus left its 2005 forecast unchanged at sales of 33bn euros based on sales of 350 to 360 Airbuses.

"The successful A380 first flight demonstrates the potential for further strong revenues," the company said.

Space business

Shares in European Aeronautic & Defence Company rose 0.2% to 22.75 euros on the Paris Stock Exchange.

Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, both chief executives at EADS, added: "Our defence businesses are also set for strong revenues.

"In addition, progress at EADS Space has been strong indicating that the space business will contribute positively to the portfolio."

EADS' order intake in the first three months amounted to nearly 9bn euros, compared with 3.4bn euros in its 2004 first quarter.

The increase is mainly due to stronger Airbus and space-division orders.

EADS co-owns Airbus with British defence giant BAE Systems, which holds a 20% stake in the Toulouse-based aircraft maker.