Airbus will cut up to 2,500 jobs in defense and space sectors

Paris (EFE). – Aerospace manufacturer Airbus announced this Wednesday that it will cut up to 2,500 jobs in its defense and space division, a process that will last until mid-2026.

The move is part of the European company’s attempt to adapt to a “challenging business situation” that has continued over time, particularly in its Space Systems division, which “recorded significant financial costs in 2023 and 2024,” he said. statement.

“In recent years, the defense and space sector (…) has been impacted by a business context of accelerated transformation and growing challenges, with disrupted supply chains, rapid changes in the way we wage war and increasing pressure due to budget constraints,” it said. Airbus Defense and Space CEO Mike Schellhorn.

Details about which countries the cuts will take place have not been reported.

The company did not provide details about which countries or facilities would see job cuts, but hinted that there would be no layoffs (“no forced action is expected,” the note said).

“Airbus will work with its social partners to limit the impact using all available social measures,” he assured.

“Airbus has a long history of being a responsible employer in difficult situations, and this time will be no exception,” recalled Schöllhorn.

“However, it is clear that we must adapt if we want to protect our industry and lead the European aerospace defense ecosystem,” he stressed.

Net profit fell 46% in the first half of the year

The company indicated that planned measures include a “more efficient and effective organizational structure” for the defense and space division, both at its headquarters, and “full accountability at the operational level” in the Air, Space Systems and Connected Devices business lines. Intelligence.

Airbus made financial charges of 989 million euros at its defense and space division in the first half of this year, which meant the firm’s net profit fell 46% year on year.

The aerospace giant had to fork out a further €600 million in 2023 due to difficulties in its space sector, particularly satellites, and a string of incidents and delays on Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket.

This provision caused Airbus’s net profit to fall 11% in 2023 compared with the previous year.