Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury Talks Supply Chain Struggles and Goals
Oct 30, 2024
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Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, navigates the complexities of the aerospace industry. He reveals the production bottlenecks affecting aircraft delivery, particularly relating to engine supply issues with Pratt and CFM. Faury also discusses restructuring Airbus's defense operations for increased agility. Additionally, he addresses how ongoing strikes at Boeing might impact Airbus's supply chain, underlining the interconnectedness of the industry. His insights highlight both the challenges and strategic goals Airbus faces in a competitive landscape.
Airbus is grappling with supply chain challenges due to engine production delays from suppliers, significantly impacting their production targets for the A320 family.
The company is restructuring its defense and space division to enhance efficiency and accountability while adapting to market demands in military aviation and space.
Deep dives
Challenges in Supply Chain Management
Airbus is facing significant challenges in its supply chain, particularly related to the production of engines for its A320 family of aircraft. Issues with engine suppliers, such as Pratt and CFM, have created bottlenecks that hinder Airbus's ability to meet its production targets. For instance, a recall campaign from Pratt has resulted in numerous aircraft being grounded as they await retrofitting of their engines. As a result, Airbus is deploying additional resources to support suppliers in resolving these issues, although these challenges are expected to persist through the end of the year before gradually improving in the coming years.
Strategic Changes in Defense and Space Division
Airbus is undergoing structural changes in its defense and space division, shifting from an integrated model to one organized by three distinct product lines. This transition aims to enhance accountability and agility, especially within its air power segment dedicated to military aviation. Additionally, Airbus is exploring the possibility of consolidating its space business, recognizing the need for strategic options in a challenging market. Despite these changes, Airbus remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in military aviation while adapting its space division to the evolving industry landscape.