Airbus Risk Report

⚖️ legal & regulatory

Airbus faces significant challenges on the legal and regulatory front, primarily due to sanctions and compliance issues. The sanctions, particularly affecting their aircraft fleet in Russia, highlight the geopolitical tensions impacting their operations. Regulatory scrutiny also surfaced with export control and bribery probes, stressing the influence of these factors on Airbus's strategic decisions and actions.

• Nearly 50% of Airbus A320/A321neo fleet in Russia was grounded due to sanctions as reported 🗓 2024-11-22.
• Airbus faced involvement in a UK criminal probe over potential export control breaches 🗓 2024-07-30.
• A bribery probe regarding a controversial Kuwait helicopters deal was ongoing 🗓 2024-10-21.
• US sanctions targeted a former Sri Lankan Airlines CEO over an Airbus deal 🗓 2024-12-09.

👥 labor & workforce

Airbus has been undertaking significant layoffs in response to market pressures and operational challenges. The company plans to cut 2,500 jobs in its defense and space division, reflecting strategic restructuring efforts. The labor force has been further unsettled by strikes over pay and work conditions at some facilities, emphasizing tensions within the workforce.

• Airbus announced up to 2,500 job cuts in its defense and space division amid segment losses 🗓 2024-10-16.
• The company announced a 5% staff reduction target for the defense and space unit, impacting 2,000 jobs 🗓 2024-12-05.
• Workers at Airbus sites, such as Broughton, threatened strikes over low pay offers 🗓 2024-09-02.

🏗️ operational & business continuity

Airbus is grappling with operational risks chiefly linked to supply chain disruptions and strikes. Complications in acquiring work packages from Spirit AeroSystems, along with issues in their own defense and space operations, depict ongoing struggles in business continuity.

• Dockworkers' strikes compounded supply-chain issues, affecting both Airbus and Boeing 🗓 2024-10-02.
• Airbus faced pressure over supplies from Spirit AeroSystems, impacting operational stability 🗓 2024-10-10.

📜 innovation & r&d

Despite operational challenges, Airbus continues to push the envelope in innovation and R&D. The company is focusing on future-oriented projects, such as hydrogen aviation and next-generation aircraft, which are pivotal for maintaining competitiveness and adhering to sustainability goals.

• Airbus advanced key technologies for next-generation single-aisle aircraft 🗓 2025-03-25.
• Airbus plans to expand its groundbreaking industrial 5G network 🗓 2024-11-14.
• Airbus collaborated with Opteran to enhance Mars rovers’ navigation using nature-inspired software 🗓 2024-10-23.