Airbus Gears Up For Major Leadership Shift At Key Commercial Aircraft Unit: Report

Airbus SE EADSY is reportedly nearing the plans to name a new internal head of its commercial aircraft business.

The European aerospace giant's potential reorganization could see Christian Scherer, its sales chief, taking the reins of the world's leading civil planemaking operation, Reuters reported, citing industry sources.

While Airbus Helicopters' top executive, Bruno Even, was initially the name on everyone's lips for the coveted planemaking role, industry insiders now tout Scherer as a frontrunner, the report added.

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Since 2019, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has juggled dual roles, as head of the global commercial aircraft division and as group chief executive, the report said.

However, escalating challenges, from pandemic-driven supply disruptions to geopolitical tensions exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict, have amplified the company's strategic demands. 

These, coupled with Europe's push for space autonomy following launcher setbacks, has placed immense pressure on Faury's consolidated leadership approach, the report noted. 

A closer look at Scherer's achievements reveals his instrumental role in creating the top-selling A320neo and in the strategic negotiations that introduced an Airbus assembly line in the U.S. 

Moreover, Scherer's leadership was pivotal in acquiring the A220 jet program from Bombardier, Bloomberg reported.

Scherer, if appointed, will confront immediate industrial challenges, from achieving the ambitious target of 720 aircraft deliveries this year to steering through turbulence caused by issues at engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, the report mentioned.

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Airbus delivered 52 airplanes to 34 customers in August, with gross orders totaling 117 in the month. August deliveries were slower than the previous month — when Airbus delivered 65 airplanes to 36 customers in July — with gross orders totaling 60.

Decisions on the horizon also include potential A220 enhancements and laying foundational steps for the next-gen single-aisle jets.

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