Airbus, the European multinational aerospace corporation, operates through a range of affiliated companies and joint ventures, each with its unique focus and legal or organizational status.
The parent company, Airbus SE, was formed through the integration of several national aerospace companies from France, Germany, and Spain in 2000. This merger created a single listed company across France, Germany, and Spain, serving as the overarching corporate entity for the Airbus Group operations.
One of the key subsidiaries, Airbus Defence and Space, specializes in military and space programs. This entity has entered partnerships with companies like Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, showcasing its distinct operational focus within the broader Airbus Group.
Airbus Corporate Jets, another subsidiary, focuses on corporate versions of Airbus airliners. Unlike Airbus Defence and Space, Airbus Corporate Jets operates through separate commercial operators, such as Elevate Jet, LLC.
Airbus Canada Limited Partnership is responsible for the production of the Airbus A220 family, manufactured in Canada. This entity was acquired by Airbus from Bombardier and operates as a distinct subsidiary, reflecting a regional and product-specific legal structure.
Airbus also maintains cooperative agreements with external partners, such as China’s AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group for local production of models like the A321. These partnerships generally operate under specific legal agreements but the partners remain distinct legal entities.
Historically, the UK participated in Airbus via shares held by BAE Systems in Airbus and Astrium businesses, but this was prior to Airbus consolidation and renaming in 2000. Current affiliations have evolved significantly since then.
Airbus U.S. Modification and Upgrades Inc. provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus aircraft. Other subsidiaries include Airbus Helicopters, a leading manufacturer of helicopters, Airbus CyberSecurity, providing cybersecurity solutions for the aviation industry, Airbus Prototyping GmbH, focusing on the development of new aircraft concepts and technologies, and Airbus APWorks GmbH, specializing in additive manufacturing for aerospace applications.
Airbus Defense and Space is another subsidiary that specializes in defense and space technology. Airbus BizLab, a global business accelerator, fosters innovation and collaboration within the Airbus group. It is important to note that each Airbus company is a separate legal entity.
The use of the Airbus name by one company does not create any rights, obligations, or liabilities for another Airbus company or affiliate. The list of Airbus companies and affiliates is non-exhaustive and may not include all entities at any given time. Airbus SE, a multinational corporation headquartered in Toulouse, France, oversees the Airbus group of companies.
Airbus SE, the overarching corporate entity for the Airbus Group operations, partners with companies like Airbus Defense and Space, which specializes in military and space programs but operates as a distinct legal entity within the finance sector of the conglomerate. On the other hand, Airbus Corporate Jets, another subsidiary, focuses on creating corporate versions of Airbus airliners and operates through separate commercial operators in the business field.
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