Airbus is set to strengthen its presence in Poland, where the company has operated for over 25 years as a strategic partner. Johan Pelissier, President of Airbus Region Europe, highlighted that the company has invested significantly in local operations, particularly in Airbus Poland, which employs over 650 workers. He noted that Poland is crucial for Airbus, contributing to the production of various components for its aircraft and providing a base for advanced engineering and IT services.
Pelissier also stated that about 10,000 jobs in Poland have been created indirectly due to Airbus’s operations, with an annual expenditure of approximately $500 million directed towards local suppliers. He expressed ambitions to double the number of direct employees in Poland, indicating potential future employment could reach as high as 1,500 workers.
In addition to expanding workforce, Airbus is eyeing further investments in Poland’s aerospace capabilities. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz recently announced plans to purchase Airbus A300 MRTT aircraft for air-to-air refueling of F-35 fighter jets, further cementing the collaborative relationship.
Airbus exemplifies successful European cooperation, yet challenges remain in replicating similar large-scale projects, like the new generation European fighter jet initiative. The company continues to seek partnerships and suppliers across various nations, with Poland identified as a key beneficiary of the SAFE program, which aims to enhance European defense capabilities.
Conversations regarding the utilization of SAFE funding are ongoing for interested parties, demonstrating Airbus’s commitment to local collaborations for European solutions. Pelissier emphasized the importance of relying on local, independent technologies and fostering partnerships within local industries.
Additionally, he pointed out the growing demand for “made in Europe” products, especially in critical sectors, as Europe aims to enhance resilience in an increasingly complex global landscape. Recent milestones include surpassing 20,000 orders for the A320 family of aircraft, showcasing the company’s robust demand both within Europe and beyond.
Discussing the future of aviation, Pelissier touched on the advancements in autonomous technologies. While technical capabilities for passenger aircraft with fewer pilots exist, regulatory hurdles and societal acceptance remain the primary challenges. So far, the focus has largely been on military applications, with civilian regulations still evolving.
This discussion took place during the ILA 2026 airshow in Berlin, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the aerospace industry and Airbus’s pivotal role in shaping future developments.
