What Airbus Says About a New North American Factory and Demand

The Decision Brief SKIFT AVIATION FORUM Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO, Airbus North America Moderated by Gordon Smith, Airlines Editor, Skift THE TAKEAWAY Aircraft manufacturers face growing pressure to deliver the next generation of more efficient airplanes while meeting airlines’ expectations for operational reliability. Hayes said durability has become a more prominent factor in aircraft development, adding another requirement to an already complex decision about when to introduce new technology. PATHS FORWARD Make durability a central requirement of aircraft innovation. Hayes said airlines increasingly expect improvements in fuel efficiency and capability to maintain the durability of existing aircraft technology. Balance new aircraft programs with improvements to existing platforms. Hayes described the engineering resources required for clean-sheet development while emphasizing opportunities to continue upgrading current aircraft and introducing new variations. Protect the engineering capacity needed for new aircraft development. Hayes said the loss of experienced engineers has compounded the challenges of launching new programs, making technical workforce development an important part of manufacturers’ innovation strategies. WHAT TO WATCH When manufacturers commit to the next generation of aircraft. Hayes said the industry is approaching the point where a new generation is needed, but questions remain about which technologies will be mature enough to incorporate and when development should begin. Whether new technology delivers lasting operational improvements. Airlines will need to assess whether efficiency and performance gains from future aircraft designs can be achieved while maintaining durability, a requirement Hayes said has become increasingly important. Access all the Skift Takeaways from this event, as well as full session videos, presentation documents, and more editorial coverage at our Skift Aviation Forum attendees hub.