In a move set to reinforce its commitment to sustainable aerospace and navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing global environment, Airbus announced on October 12, 2023, a significant organizational restructuring slated to take effect from January 1, 2024. The evolution comes as part of the company’s continuous efforts to adapt to shifting industry dynamics and solidify its position as a key player in the aviation sector.
Since 2019, Airbus had combined the leadership roles of the company and its Commercial Aircraft business to streamline operations during a period marked by multiple crises and industry transformations. The latest restructuring represents a strategic shift, aiming to equip Airbus to meet its operational commitments while simultaneously enhancing its focus on future challenges and opportunities.
The cornerstone of the new organizational setup is the appointment of Christian Scherer as the CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, reporting directly to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. This move aims to provide a dedicated operational focus on the challenges faced by the Commercial Aircraft business, allowing Faury to concentrate on the broader strategic and transformational aspects crucial for securing Airbus’s future across all its business segments.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, emphasized the significance of this leadership evolution, stating, “Empowering Christian in the Commercial Aircraft CEO role will enable us to reinforce focus on the success of our Commercial Aircraft business while allowing me to dedicate my time to steering Airbus in a complex and fast-evolving global environment.”
Christian Scherer expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the role during a critical period for the industry, pledging to leverage the expertise of Team Airbus to meet operational objectives, improve continuously, and prepare for the future of products and services. Scherer also highlighted the collaboration with partners and suppliers worldwide to work towards a common roadmap for decarbonizing aviation.
The restructuring is part of Airbus’s commitment to sustainability and safety, aligning with its purpose of ‘Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.’ While the company undergoes changes in its internal setup, it emphasizes that there will continue to be one brand, Airbus, representing an integrated company with shared purpose, strategy, and values.
The new organizational configuration will be established in collaboration with the company’s social partners over the coming months, with the goal of going live in project mode from January 1, 2024, onwards. As Airbus positions itself for the future, the industry will be closely watching the outcomes of this strategic evolution and its impact on the global aerospace landscape.
